The Indian Navy is set to enhance its maritime capabilities with the commissioning of its latest survey ship, INS Nirdeshak, scheduled for December 18 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. A senior Navy official announced that the ceremony will be presided over by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and will take place in the presence of distinguished guests, including senior naval officials and representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), which constructed the vessel.
INS Nirdeshak, which boasts over 80 percent indigenous content, signifies a significant stride towards India’s goal of self-reliance in defense manufacturing, known as Aatmanirbharta. The ship was built at GRSE in Kolkata and is built to modern standards, reflecting India’s advancements in ship design and marine technology. The vessel is 110 meters in length with a displacement of approximately 3,800 tonnes, and it is powered by two diesel engines.
Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic survey equipment, INS Nirdeshak is the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) Project. Its primary functions include conducting hydrographic surveys, aiding navigation, and supporting various maritime operations. This new ship is a reincarnation of the original ‘Nirdeshak,’ which served the Indian Navy commendably for 32 years until its decommissioning on December 19, 2014.
With an operational endurance exceeding 25 days at sea and a top speed of over 18 knots, INS Nirdeshak is expected to significantly bolster India’s maritime capabilities. The ship is designed to play a vital role in mapping India’s waters, thereby enhancing the country’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Additionally, it will assist in foreign cooperation surveys aimed at strengthening regional maritime ties.
The Navy also introduced the crest for INS Nirdeshak, encapsulated with the motto ‘the Pathfinder of the Seas.’ This emblem symbolizes India’s maritime sovereignty and technological capabilities. The design features the proud symbol of the nation’s territorial integrity, illustrated against a backdrop of the ship navigating through waves, utilizing advanced satellite-based navigation and communication systems, as well as state-of-the-art sub-surface sensors for precise underwater mapping. This commissioning marks a significant milestone in India’s growing naval prowess and commitment to enhancing maritime security in the region.
