Indian Navy has commissioned INS Nirdeshak at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. It is the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) Project of the Indian Navy built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers

About INS Nirdeshak

Its primary functions include conducting hydrographic surveys, assisting navigation, and supporting maritime operations.

The name ‘Nirdeshak’, meaning ‘Pathfinder,’ signifies its role in charting precise maritime paths.

Builder: Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

Indigenous Focus: Reflects India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat with over 80% indigenous content.

Legacy: Reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Nirdeshak, which served the Navy for 32 years until its decommissioning in 2014.

Key Specifications

Physical Attributes:

• Displacement: 3,400–3,800 tons.
• Length: 110 meters.
• Speed: Over 18 knots.
• Endurance: Operates at sea for more than 25 days.

Propulsion: Powered by two marine diesel engines and equipped with fixed-pitch propellers for efficiency.

Construction Technology: Built using Integrated Construction technology and adheres to the standards of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

State-of-the-Art Equipment

INS Nirdeshak is equipped with cutting-edge technology for hydrographic and oceanographic surveys:

• Survey Systems: Hydrographic Data Acquisition and Processing Systems for precise underwater mapping.
• Navigation and Communication: Satellite-Based Navigation for accurate positioning and advanced communication systems to support maritime operations.
• Underwater Sensors: Sub-surface Sensors for detailed mapping of underwater terrain.
• Autonomous and Remotely Operated Systems:
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for advanced survey operations.

Significance

• Strategic Role: Enhances India’s capability for high-accuracy hydrographic surveys and supports maritime operations and navigational safety in critical regions.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Showcases India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
• Technological Leadership: With advanced systems and autonomous technologies, INS Nirdeshak serves as a key asset for the Indian Navy, ensuring operational readiness and maritime security.