Indian Navy commissions second survey vessel, INS Nirdeshak

INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in a ceremony held today (December 18) at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

The ceremony marked the formal induction of the second of the four ships of the Survey Vessel (Large) project under construction at local Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Defense Shri Sanjay Seth said that highly specialized ships – the survey vessels – play a vital role in charting the oceans.

These are “sophisticated niche platforms that allow for a more accurate collation of oceanic data, its precise processing and as a result, highly reliable charts that enhance maritime operations and safety,” he added.

The 110-meter-long vessel, with a displacement of approximately 3800 tons, is powered by two diesel engines and is equipped with hydrographic and oceanographic survey equipment. The ship is designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, aid in navigation, and support maritime operations.

Built with over 80% indigenous content, the unit is embedded with advanced hydrographic systems such as multi-beam echo sounders, side scan sonars, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) etc.

According to the navy, these enable precise mapping for safe navigation and planning in deep-sea operations, expand survey capabilities in hazardous and restricted zones, and facilitate faster and safer data collection for wreck identifications and environmental studies.

The vessel is expected to contribute significantly to the Indian Ocean Region’s security and environmental health and strengthen India’s presence in regional collaboration, scientific exploration, and peacekeeping missions. 

The construction of the ship was a collaborative endeavor of the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, GRSE, L&T, SAIL, IRS, and a significant number of other businesses.