Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the first of four Survey Vessel (Large) SVL ships, being built at GRSE, Kolkata, was delivered to Indian Navy on 04 Dec 2023. The Contract for four Survey Vessel (Large) was signed on 30 Oct 2018. The SVL ships are designed and built to rules of Indian Register of Shipping Classification society by M/s GRSE. The primary role of ship would be full scale coastal and deep-water Hydrographic Survey of Port/ Harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels/ routes. Zone of operation includes maritime limits upto EEZ/ extended continental shelf. The ships will also collect oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications. In their secondary role, ships will provide limited defence and function as Hospital ship during war/ emergencies. With a displacement of about 3400 tons and an overall length of 110 meters, Sandhayak is fitted with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment such as Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, DGPS Long range positioning systems, Digital side scan sonar etc. Powered by two Diesel Engines, the ship is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 18 knots. The Keel for ship was laid on 12 Mar 2019 and the ship was launched on 05 Dec 2021. The ship has undergone a comprehensive schedule of trials in harbour and at sea, leading up to its delivery to Indian Navy on 04 Dec 2023. Sandhayak has an indigenous content of over 80% by cost. The delivery of Sandhayak is an affirmation of the impetus being given by GoI and Indian Navy towards Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. The induction of Sandhayak, despite COVID 19 and other Geo Political challenges during its construction, is a tribute to collaborative efforts of large number of stake holders, MSMEs and Indian Industry in enhancing maritime prowess of Nation in IOR.
