Indian Ocean Region’s survey ship INS Nirdeshak commissioned at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard

INS Nirdeshak, a sophisticated Survey Vessel, commissioned into Indian Navy to enhance maritime operations and strengthen regional collaboration.

INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of Survey Vessel (large) project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy, in a ceremony presided over by Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard, here on Wednesday.

The ship is designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, aid in navigation, and support maritime operations.

Eastern Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice-Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar hosted the commissioning ceremony, marking the formal induction of the second of the four ships of Survey Vessel (large) project under construction at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Seth said that the Survey Vessels play a vital role in charting the oceans. These are sophisticated niche platforms that allow for a more accurate collation of oceanic data, its precise processing and as a result, highly reliable charts that enhance maritime operations and safety. The Survey Ships also act as a credible maritime diplomacy tool, he said.

“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 the Indian Navy for hydrographic cooperation,” Mr. Seth said.

Built with over 80% indigenous content, the ship is embedded with advanced hydrographic systems such as Multi-Beam Echo Sounders, Side Scan Sonars, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) etc. These enable precise mapping for safe navigation and planning in deep-sea operations, expand survey capabilities in hazardous and restricted zones and facilitates faster and safer data collection for wreck identifications and environmental studies.

The vessel will contribute significantly to the Indian Ocean Region’s security and environmental health and strengthening India’s leadership in regional collaboration, scientific exploration, and peacekeeping missions. The ship will strengthen the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative by promoting shared maritime data with friendly foreign countries.