Source: PIB
Subject: Security
Context: The Indian Navy officially received ‘Sanshodhak’ (Yard 3028), the fourth and final ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) project.
About Survey Vessel Sanshodhak:
What It Is?
- Sanshodhak is the final vessel of the four Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) class ships steered by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
- The name ‘Sanshodhak’ means Researcher, reflecting the ship’s primary role as a data-collection platform.
- It follows its sister ships—INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak, and INS Ikshak—to complete the indigenous project signed in October 2018.
Developed By:
- Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
- The ship boasts an indigenous content of over 80% by cost, involving a large number of Indian industries and MSMEs.
Aim:
- The primary aim of the SVL project is to replace the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships with more capable, state-of-the-art platforms.
- It seeks to achieve self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in specialized warship construction while enhancing maritime prowess in the Indian Ocean Region.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: The ship has an overall length of 110 meters and a displacement of approximately 3,400 tons.
- Propulsion: Powered by two diesel engines, allowing the vessel to achieve speeds in excess of 18 knots.
- Advanced Sensors: Equipped with a Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV).
- Positioning & Sonar: Features DGPS long-range positioning systems and Digital Side Scan Sonar for high-resolution underwater imaging.
- Timeline: The keel was laid in June 2022, and the ship was launched in June 2023, followed by a comprehensive schedule of sea and harbour trials.
Applications:
- Hydrographic Surveys: Capable of performing full-scale coastal and deep-water surveys of port and harbour approaches.
- Navigational Mapping: Determination of critical navigational channels and routes for safe maritime passage.
- Data Collection: Gathering vital oceanographic and geophysical data.
- Dual Use: The data collected serves both defence applications (naval operations) and civil applications (maritime trade and environmental research).
