Kolkata/Visakhapatnam: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) formally handed over the “Jaldoot” Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) to Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, marking an important milestone for indigenous autonomous vessel technology.
“Jaldoot,” delivered on October 28, 2024, successfully completed acceptance trials from October 17 to October 21. The Unmanned Surface Vessel, designed and developed jointly by GRSE and NSTL, DRDO for survey and communication missions, features compact dimensions and weight.
Powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, the vessel supports waypoint navigation, station-keeping, and failsafe behaviours. It can integrate various sensors, including an acoustic positioning system for tracking of UUVs, Side Scan Sonar for SAR mission and 1080p HD camera with night vision capability.
This achievement is testament to the joint R&D efforts of GRSE and NSTL/DRDO in developing in-house expertise as well as leveraging the strengths of indigenous start-ups. An Indian technology start-up partner Rekise Marine has been nurtured in the design and development of “Jaldoot”.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd., a premier Warship building Company in India, under the administrative control of Ministry of Defence, and a Schedule ‘A’ Mini Ratna Category I company, has the distinction of becoming the first shipyard of independent India to build a warship for Indian Navy, the Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) INS Ajay, way back in 1961. GRSE also built the first ever Indian Export Warship “CGS Barracuda” for Govt. of Mauritius, a Fast Patrol Vessel “SCG PS Zoroaster” for Seychelles and an Ocean-Going Cargo & Passenger Ferry Vessel “MV Ma Lisha” for Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
The shipyard was conferred the status of a Miniratna Category I Company in 2006. GRSE has built over 790 platforms including 110 warships for Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign countries – highest warships built and delivered by any Indian shipyard till date. From Frigates, Corvettes, Fleet Tankers, Landing Ship Tank, Landing Craft Utility to Survey Vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Attack Craft – the repertoire is rich and varied.
In addition to shipbuilding and ship repair, GRSE is also engaged in engine production and other engineering activities. The engineering division manufactures deck machinery items, pre-fabricated portable steel bridges and marine pumps.
Having embraced infrastructure modernisation over past decades, GRSE can undertake concurrent construction of 24 ships at a time. Team of highly skilled design engineers and state of art VR Lab & latest software aid in the in-house design capabilities. With proven credentials, the shipyard is on a growth path, reaffirming its motto “In Pursuit of Excellence and Quality in Shipbuilding.
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