GRSE Launched ‘Sanshodhak’, the Fourth Ship of SVL Project for the Indian Navy at Kattupalli, Chennai

Indian Navy – ‘Sanshodhak’, the Fourth Ship of SVL Project

On June 13, 2023, the Indian Navy‘s fourth ship of the Survey Vessels (Large) (SVL) Project, named ‘Sanshodhak’ meaning ‘Researcher’, was launched at Kattupalli in Chennai. The launch ceremony was attended by VAdm Adhir Arora, Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India, and Smt Tanvi Arora, who launched the ship in accordance with naval maritime traditions. The ship, being built by L and T/GRSE, is a survey vessel and will play a crucial role in conducting research activities for the Indian Navy.

About the Survey Vessels (Large) (SVL) Project

• On October 30, 2018, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, for the construction of four SVL ships.
• According to the build strategy, the first ship was built at GRSE in Kolkata, while the construction of the remaining three ships up to the outfitting stage was subcontracted to M/s L and T Shipbuilding in Kattupalli.
• The first three ships of the project, named Sandhayak, Nirdeshak, and Ikshak, were launched on December 5, 2021, May 26, 2022, and November 26, 2022, respectively.
• The Survey Vessels Large (SVL) project emphasizes the importance of indigenous shipbuilding and aligns with the government’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).
• These ships will have over 80% indigenous content by cost, which promotes defense production through Indian manufacturing units.

This approach not only strengthens the country’s warship-building capability but also has positive implications for employment generation. The launch of the fourth Survey Vessel demonstrates the commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and reinforces the goal of achieving self-reliance in the defense sector.

About the SVL Ships

• The SVL ships are designed to replace the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships and are equipped with advanced hydrographic equipment for collecting oceanographic data.
• These survey vessels are 110 meters long, 16 meters wide, and have a displacement of 3,400 tons.
• The hull of the ships is made from DMR 249-A steel, which is an indigenously developed steel manufactured by the Steel Authority of India Limited.
• The SVL ships have the capacity to carry four Survey Motor Boats and an integral helicopter, enabling them to perform various tasks.
• Their primary role is to conduct comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports and navigational channels.
• Additionally, these ships are deployed to collect oceanographic and geophysical data for both defense and civil applications.
• In their secondary role, the ships have limited defense capabilities and can be utilized for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
• They can also serve as a hospital ship during emergencies, providing medical support when needed.

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