INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy, at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
Built with over 80 per cent indigenous content, INS Nirdeshak is equipped with advanced hydrographic systems such as Multi Beam Echo Sounders, Side Scan Sonars, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), which enable precise mapping for safe navigation and planning in deep-sea operations, expands survey capabilities in hazardous and restricted zones and facilitates faster and safer data collection for wreck identifications and environmental studies.
Designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, aid in navigation, and support maritime operations, the vessel is expected to contribute significantly to the Indian Ocean Region’s security and environmental health and strengthen India’s leadership in regional collaboration, scientific exploration, and peacekeeping missions. It will also strengthen the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative of the government by promoting shared maritime data with friendly foreign countries, the defence ministry said in a release.
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Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, who presided over the commissioning ceremony, said survey vessels play a major role in charting the oceans as these are sophisticated niche platforms that allow for a more accurate collation of oceanic data.
Further, he said survey ships also act as a credible maritime diplomacy tool. “When our survey ships undertake missions in support of a friendly country, they epitomise what India believes in: helping a friend in need without asking for something in return. This would help in strengthening our bilateral ties and in opening up and promoting trade opportunities in the long term. The new survey ships will make us more potent also, as foreign fleets are looking towards Bharitya Nausena for hydrographic cooperation.”
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, hosted the commissioning ceremony marking the formal induction of the second of the four ships of the project under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata.
