The Indian Navy on March 28 laid the keel for the second Mhadei-class vessel at the Aquarius Shipyard in Goa.
The first, lead-ship INSV Mhadei built by the same shipyard and delivered to the Navy in 2009 circumnavigated the globe twice and sailed more than 100,000 miles in over 7 years.
The Indian Navy placed the order for the second sail boatwith Aquarius Shipyard in Feb 2016. Three yards submitted bids and Aquarius Shipyard Pvt Ltd emerged as the L1 at a total cost of 4.35 Crores (approx. $650,000).
According to the Navy, the boat is expected to be delivered in Feb 2017.
The Indian Navy is training an all-women crew who would sail the new boat for a circumnavigation of the globe. Six women officers are training on board Mhadei to undertake this voyage in 2017.