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Context

• The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) recently delivered INS Sandhayak, the largest survey vessel ever constructed in India, marking a pivotal moment for the Indian Navy.
• This vessel represents the first in a series of four Survey Vessels (Large) (SVLs) being developed by GRSE and was formally handed over on Navy Day.

Details

• Vessel Specification: INS Sandhayak stands at an impressive 110 meters in length and serves as the lead ship among the four SVLs. It succeeds its predecessor, a survey vessel that served the Indian Navy from 1981 to 2021.
• Advanced Capabilities: These new SVLs boast advanced features, enabling comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys. Specifically, they excel in surveying port and harbor approaches, charting navigation channels, and collecting crucial maritime data for defense applications.
• Versatility: Each SVL is outfitted to accommodate a helicopter, facilitating diverse operations. They're adept at low-intensity combat, can function as hospital ships, and are deployable for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.
• Propulsion and Maneuverability: The vessels are powered by two marine diesel engines and feature fixed-pitch propellers. Moreover, they're equipped with bow and stern thrusters, ensuring efficient maneuverability during low-speed survey operations.
• Future Commitments: three more SVLs will be delivered.

Significance

The delivery of INS Sandhayak showcases India's growing capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding, reinforcing the Indian Navy's fleet with technologically advanced survey vessels. This achievement signifies a substantial step towards bolstering India's maritime capabilities and self-reliance in naval infrastructure.

Overview of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE)

Background:

• Establishment: Founded in 1884, initially as a small private entity on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. Renamed as Garden Reach Workshop in 1916 and later nationalized by the Indian Government in 1960.
• Miniratna Status: Awarded Miniratna status in September 2006, providing financial and operational autonomy.
• Milestone Achievement: Recognized as the first Indian shipyard to construct 100 warships, a testament to its significant contribution to naval construction.

Operations and Facilities:

• Shipbuilding and Repair: GRSE is a prominent shipyard in Kolkata engaged in the construction and repair of both commercial and naval vessels. It also specializes in constructing ships for export purposes.
• Facilities:
  • Ship building facilities in Kolkata.
  • Diesel engine plant located in Ranchi.
  • Comprehensive facilities including Computer-Aided Design (CAD) center, workshops for plate preparation and steel fabrication, dry dock for ships up to 26,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT), building berth, slipways for hull construction, fitting-out complexes for different ship sizes, river jetties for smaller vessels, and engine assembly, test, repair, and overhaul facilities in Ranchi, spanning over 62 acres of land.
  • Acquisition of Rajabagan Dockyard (RBD) in 2006 further expanded GRSE's capacity with 600 meters waterfront, alleviating space constraints.

Conclusion

The commissioning of INS Sandhayak represents a monumental achievement in India's naval history, highlighting the nation's progress in constructing cutting-edge vessels for maritime defense and surveillance purposes.

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