Kolkata/Visakhapatnam: The hoisting of colours for the first time and breaking of the commissioning pennant at the last bar of the National Anthem marked the formal commissioning of INS Nirdeshak into the Indian Navy on December 18, 2024. The INS Nirdeshak is a Survey Vessel Large (SVL), second in a series of four such platforms being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd.
These warships are the largest of their class ever built in India. This stands testimony to GRSE’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities and its commitment towards Aatmanirbharta. INS Sandhayak, the lead vessel of this series, was commissioned on February 3, 2024.
Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth was the Chief Guest at the impressive ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. Among the others present were Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, Cmde P R Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, Sanjay Dattatreya Panse, Independent Director, GRSE, Sanjeev Mohanty, Independent Director, GRSE, Flag Officers from Indian Navy and other Senior Officers from GRSE.
This ship marks the 110th warship constructed by GRSE. Among these, 72 were built for the Indian Navy, 36 for the Indian Coast Guard, and 02 were export warships- CGS Barracuda for the Mauritius Coast Guard and SCG PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard. GRSE is the only shipyard in the country to have delivered so many warships to the country’s maritime security forces and friendly foreign countries till date.
The 110-metre-long INS Nirdeshak will join INS Sandhayak in keeping the Navy abreast with the latest survey data that is extremely crucial for operations. The SVLs of this class are capable of full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic survey of port and harbour approaches as well as the determination of navigation channels and routes. In addition, these Sandhayak-class of SVLs can undertake surveys of maritime limits and collect oceanographic and geographical data for defence applications. Such data adds muscle to India’s maritime capabilities.
These ships can carry a helicopter each, participate in low-intensity combat and function as hospital ships. They can also be used for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
Propelled by two marine diesel engines combined with fixed-pitch propellers and fitted with bow and stern thrusters to help the ships manoeuvre at low speeds during surveys, they are ideally suited to carry out their designated operations. Fully designed by GRSE’s Design Team to meet the requirements of the Indian Navy, INS Nirdeshak was built using ‘Integrated Construction’ technology. This was in compliance with applicable provisions and regulations of the Classification Society (IRS).
INS Nirdeshak is the reincarnation of a survey ship of that name, built and delivered to the Indian Navy by GRSE in 1982. That ship was 85.8-metres-long and served with glory for over 32 years before being decommissioned. Apart from her normal duties, she also undertook hydrographic surveys in Mauritius and the Seychelles as per agreements between these countries and the Government of India. She also carried out a survey off the Dwarka coast, creating a 3D model of the ocean floor that archaeologists used to unearth the lost city. She also participated in anti-piracy operations off the Seychelles coast and helped in the arrest of nine pirates who were trying to hijack an Italian cruise liner.
In his address, Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, highlighted that the commissioning of the Nirdeshak class vessel showcases India’s commitment to becoming a maritime power through farsighted vision and relentless effort. He praised GRSE for its remarkable contribution to indigenous shipbuilding, noting that its dedication, along with the efforts of thousands of shipyard staff and the enterprising spirit of MSMEs, has been instrumental in strengthening the nation’s self-reliance. The Minister of State for Defence also acknowledged GRSE’s impressive track record in producing diverse warships, emphasising its vital role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
In his address during the occasion, Cmde P R Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, highlighted the shipyard’s capabilities in handling the most complex and advanced warships ordered by the Navy.
“Commissioning of INS Nirdeshak is a great moment for Team GRSE and we are confident that the ship shall make the Shipyard, Navy and the Nation proud in the years to come,” Cmde Hari said.
At the moment, GRSE is building 44 platforms that include 17 warships of four different classes for the Indian Navy. The warships include three 17A Advanced Frigates, eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. Of these warships, 12 have already been launched and are now at various stages of outfitting.
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