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Context:  Sanshodhak’, the fourth of four ships of Survey Vessels (Large) (SVL) Project, being built by L&T/ GRSE for the Indian Navy was launched on 13 Jun 23 at Kattupalli, Chennai.

About the Ship

• The ship named ‘Sanshodhak’, meaning ‘Researcher’, signifies the primary role of the ship as a Survey Vessel.
• As per the contract signed between MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the first ship was to be built at GRSE, Kolkata and construction of the remaining three ships upto outfitting stage, has been sub-contracted to M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli.
• The first three ships of the project, Sandhayak, Nirdeshak and Ikshak were launched in 2021.
• SVL ships will replace the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships, with new-generation hydrographic equipment, to collect oceanographic data.

Special features of the ship

• The hull of these ships is made by Steel Authority of India Limited from indigenously developed DMR 249-A steel.
• It can carry four Survey Motor Boats and an integral helicopter.
• The primary role of the ships would be to undertake full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of Ports and navigational channels.
• The ships would also be deployed for collecting oceanographic and geophysical data for defence as well as civil applications.
• The ships are also capable of providing limited defence, HADR, and can serve as Hospital ships during emergencies.
• Over 80% indigenous content by cost is present in the vessel, which enhances employment generation and warship-building capability in the country.

Conclusion

Launch of the fourth Survey Vessel enhances our capability in indigenous shipbuilding, as part of the Government’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’. India also needs to encourage more private players in defence manufacturing and development.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1932038

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