The INS Nirdeshak, the Indian Navy's newest survey vessel, is scheduled to be commissioned today in Visakhapatnam. The event will be led by Sanjay Seth, the Minister of State for Defence.
“The Indian Navy is all set to commission its latest survey ship ‘Nirdeshak’ at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, on December 18,” a Navy spokesperson said.
The INS Nirdeshak is the Indian Navy’s new survey ship. Image courtesy: X
The ceremony will be presided over by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command and attended by esteemed guests, including senior naval officials and representatives from GRSE.
But what makes the INS Nirdeshak stand out? What sets this ship apart?
A Closer Look:
According to Financial Express, the ship is India’s second Survey Vessel Large (SVL).
Built as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vessel was constructed at Kolkata’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
The ship has a displacement of 3,400 tonnes, measures 110 meters in length, and has a beam of 16 meters.
It is powered by two diesel engines, enabling it to reach a top speed of over 18 knots.
Comprising 80 percent indigenous components, the vessel features locally produced parts from Indian original equipment manufacturers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). It also includes materials such as DMR 249A steel.
Designed for hydrographic surveys, the ship is equipped with cutting-edge hydrographic and oceanographic tools. As noted by The Hindu, this includes a Multi-Beam Echo Sounder (MBES), an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and advanced communication systems to ensure seamless communication with allied forces.
“With an endurance of over 25 days at sea and a top speed exceeding 18 knots, INS Nirdeshak is set to enhance India’s maritime capabilities. It will play a pivotal role in mapping the nation’s waters and strengthening India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region through its foreign cooperation surveys,” an Indian Navy spokesman said.
It will also aid in navigation and contribute to maritime operations.
The vessel succeeds the former ship Nirdeshak, which served the Indian Navy with distinction for more than three decades before being decommissioned on December 19, 2014.
Additionally, the Navy unveiled the crest of INS Nirdeshak, titled "The Pathfinder of the Seas," symbolizing India's maritime sovereignty and technological excellence.
“At its heart, lies the proud symbol of the nation's territorial integrity serving as the backdrop to a hydrographic survey ship cutting through waves, harnessing the advanced satellite-based navigation and communication systems, and state-of-the-art sub-surface sensors to chart the underwater terrain with precision,” the Navy said.
What makes the ship unique?
According to The Hindu, the long-range capability of the INS Nirdeshak will enhance India’s operational reach.
This will enable the ship to operate in crucial and remote areas of the Indian Ocean Region, including the waters around the Maldives and Seychelles.
Additionally, the ship will cater to the hydrographic needs of these island nations.
These surveys are vital for improving maritime safety by identifying potential hazards, updating nautical charts, and boosting the global shipping industry.
By assisting these regional states, India will reinforce its position as a valued maritime partner.
The Financial Express noted that the commissioning of the Nirdeshak, alongside the INS Vikrant, symbolizes India’s progress towards maritime self-reliance.
“This strategic trajectory will not only secure India’s maritime interests but also reinforce its global standing as a technologically advanced nation. The commissioning of INS Nirdeshak is more than an operational milestone; it is a reflection of India’s progress in marrying industrial capability with strategic necessity,” the piece stated.
The article referred to the survey ship as "a symbol of India’s nation-building aspirations."
According to an official statement from the Eastern Naval Command, quoted by The Hindu, the vessel will enhance the national survey fleet and strengthen India’s standing as a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
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