In another achievement highlighting India’s growing expertise in shipbuilding, the Indian Navy has received its third of four Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ships. Built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) – Ikshak – is the 102nd ship steered by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata).

Ikshak, which means Guide, has an indigenous content of over 80% by cost. The delivery of Ikshak is a reassurance on impetus of the Government of India and the Indian Navy towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The delivery of Ikshak to the Navy is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of a large number of stakeholders, MSMEs, and the industry in enhancing India’s maritime prowess in the Indian Ocean Region.

The first ship of the class, INS Sandhayak, was commissioned on February 3, 2024 and second ship, INS Nirdeshak, in December 2024. The contract for four Survey Vessel (Large) was signed in October 2018.

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What are the SVL Ships in the Indian Navy?

SVL ships are meant for replacing the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships. The primary role of the ships would be to undertake full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of Ports and navigational channels.  The Survey Vessel (Large) ships are 110 m long, 16 m wide, with a deep displacement of 3400 tons and a complement of 231 personnel.

The propulsion system of the ship consists of two Main Engines in twin shaft configuration and is designed with a cruise speed of 14 knots and a maximum speed of 18 knots. Bow & Stern Thrusters have been catered for better maneuvering at low speeds required during shallow water survey operations.

The hull of these ships is made from indigenously developed DMR 249-A steel manufactured by Steel Authority of India Limited.

Ikshak’s special feature for women officers?

Ikshak is the first SVL Ship to be delivered with accommodation for women officers and sailors. With a capability to carry four Survey Motorboats and an integral helicopter, the ships would also be deployed for collecting oceanographic and geophysical data for defence as well as civil applications.

In their secondary role, the ships are capable of providing limited defence, besides serving as Hospital ships during emergencies.

Worth mentioning here is that the delivery of the ship has been made despite challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The launch of this third Survey Vessel has only reinforced our resolve for indigenous shipbuilding as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

This will also ensure that large-scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, and generate employment and capability build-up within the country.