In a significant stride towards self-reliance in maritime technology, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has secured a contract worth Rs 840 crore with the National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research (NCPOR).
This contract, signed on July 16, 2024, marks a major milestone for India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The deal, inked in Goa by Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding) at GRSE, and MM Subramaniam, Scientist I/C, Vessel Operation and Management at NCPOR, underscores the nation’s growing capabilities in oceanographic research.
GRSE’s expertise in constructing survey vessels, honed over nearly four decades, positions it well for this project. Notably, the shipyard has previously built the Marine Acoustic Research Vessel INS Sagardhwani and recently delivered the INS Sandhayak, the largest survey vessel built in India, to the Navy. This extensive experience will be leveraged in the design and construction of the new Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) for NCPOR.
About the ORV
The ORV will be an 89.50-meter-long, 18.80-meter-wide ship with a depth of 12.50 meters and a gross tonnage of 5,900 tons. It will achieve speeds of up to 14 knots and operate at depths of 6,000 meters. The vessel is designed for a variety of research tasks, including Underway Swath Multibeam and Geophysical Seismic surveys, CTD profiling, biological sampling, seabed sampling, and more. It will also support mooring and buoy operations, atmospheric observations, and the deployment of submersibles such as AUVs and ROVs. Scientists on board will have facilities for analytical work and data processing, making the ORV a comprehensive research platform.
Does China have a similar vessel?
Comparatively, China has made substantial investments in oceanographic research and vessel construction. China’s fleet includes advanced research vessels like the Dongfanghong series, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for marine research. The Dongfanghong 3, for instance, is a large research vessel used for deep-sea exploration and has capabilities similar to those planned for India’s new ORV.
These vessels play a crucial role in China’s ambitious oceanographic research programs, which are part of the country’s broader strategy to assert its influence in global maritime affairs.
About the Contract
The ORV contract is part of GRSE’s broader efforts to become a global player in specialized vessels. The shipyard recently signed an agreement with the Government of Bangladesh for an advanced tug and is also constructing a dredger and multi-purpose cargo vessels for international clients. These projects, alongside the 18 warships being built for the Indian Navy, highlight GRSE’s expanding portfolio and its contribution to India’s maritime self-sufficiency.