GRSE launches indigenous research vessel Sagar Manthan for deep-sea missions
GRSE launched Sagar Manthan, an indigenous ocean research vessel for NCPOR, to enhance India's deep-sea and polar research under the Deep Ocean Mission.
Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) on Wednesday launched 'Sagar Manthan', an indigenous ocean research vessel being built for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). The launch marks a significant step in strengthening India's capabilities in deep-sea exploration and scientific research.
The ₹840-crore vessel is expected to be operational by early 2028. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh congratulated GRSE and the Ministry of Earth Sciences on the occasion.
Earth Sciences Secretary Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, present at the launch, said the vessel is part of the government's Deep Ocean Mission. It will significantly enhance India's ability to conduct scientific research in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. "This ship will enhance the capabilities of our scientific community to go out and conduct scientific research in the Indian Ocean region and wherever we have an interest in scientific research," he said.
The vessel was launched at GRSE's Rishi Bankim Shipyard just five months after its keel was laid, underscoring the shipyard's ability to meet construction milestones ahead of schedule, according to GRSE Managing Director Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd).
The 89.5-metre-long and 18.8-metre-wide vessel has a gross tonnage of 5,900 tonnes and a speed of 14 knots at 90 per cent maximum continuous rating. It is designed to operate in severe sea states, including the Southern Ocean and waters around Antarctica.
Sagar Manthan will be equipped with advanced scientific systems for oceanographic and geophysical research. It will carry out measurements using sub-bottom profilers, seismic equipment, and advanced oceanographic instruments, along with an advanced Doppler weather radar for atmospheric observations.
The vessel will support swath multibeam and geophysical seismic surveys at depths of up to 6 km, Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) profiling, water sampling, and biological sampling. It will also handle surface and deep-sea mooring, seabed sampling, and rock dredging operations.
It will be capable of launching and recovering autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology under the Deep Ocean Mission. Scientists will be able to perform analytical work and data processing onboard, with training facilities for technicians.
Tummala noted the vessel will strengthen India's efforts to explore marine mineral resources, including manganese nodules and polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean. Coordinated by NCPOR under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the vessel is expected to contribute to India's blue economy vision, supporting research in marine resources, shipping, energy, and logistics.