The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Nirdeshak, the second vessel in its Survey Vessel project, during a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, at the Naval Dockyard in Vishakapatnam. The event will be presided over by Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, with participation from senior naval officials, dignitaries, and representatives from the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the shipbuilder responsible for its construction.
Alongside the commissioning, the Navy has unveiled the crest for INS Nirdeshak, designating it as “the Pathfinder of the Seas.” The crest epitomizes maritime excellence, precision, and India’s pride in its naval capabilities. According to the Navy, the symbol reflects the country’s maritime sovereignty and technological advancement. Central to the crest is a depiction of a hydrographic survey ship navigating through waves, integrated with advanced satellite-based navigation and communication systems, as well as state-of-the-art sub-surface sensors designed for precise underwater terrain mapping.
The new INS Nirdeshak is seen as a successor to its namesake, the original INS Nirdeshak, which served for 32 years before its decommissioning in December 2014. This next-generation vessel is expected to enhance India’s strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) while also facilitating international cooperation through joint surveys, thereby furthering India’s maritime diplomacy and regional partnerships.
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Key features of INS Nirdeshak include its construction by GRSE in Kolkata, with approximately 80 percent of its components sourced from within India. The ship measures 110 meters in length, has a displacement of roughly 3,800 tons, and is powered by two diesel engines capable of propelling it to speeds exceeding 18 knots. Definitely equipped with cutting-edge hydrographic and oceanographic instruments, the vessel is designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, aid in navigation, and support a range of maritime operations. Importantly, INS Nirdeshak boasts an endurance of over 25 days at sea, enabling effective operations in both domestic and international waters, marking a significant advancement in the Indian Navy’s capabilities.
