Introduction
The Sandhayak-class is a class of Survey Vessels (Large) [SVL] of the Indian Navy, designed and built indigenously to conduct hydrographic surveys, nautical charting and oceanographic research. These vessels enhance India’s capability to support safe navigation, maritime security and underwater domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Background
- Built under the Survey Vessel (Large) Project to replace the older Sandhayak-class survey ships commissioned in the 1980s.
- Designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in collaboration with the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
- Constructed by GRSE, Kolkata.
- A total of 4 Survey Vessels (Large) are being built:
- INS Sandhayak
- INS Nirdeshak
- INS Ikshak
- INS Sanshodhak
Key Features
- Over 80% indigenous content by cost.
- Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic survey systems.
- Capable of conducting coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys.
- Can undertake search and rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
- Supports helicopter operations for logistics and survey missions.
Technical Specifications
- Class: Survey Vessel (Large)
- Displacement: Approximately 3,400 tonnes
- Length: About 110 metres
- Speed: Around 18 knots
- Endurance: Approximately 25 days
- Crew: Around 235 personnel
Major Capabilities
- Hydrographic surveys for updating nautical charts.
- Oceanographic and geophysical data collection.
- Mapping of seabed and coastal waters.
- Navigation channel surveys for ports and harbours.
- Underwater domain awareness.
- Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
Significance
Maritime Safety
Provides accurate hydrographic data for safe navigation of naval and commercial vessels.
Strategic Maritime Awareness
Enhances seabed mapping and underwater domain awareness, supporting naval operations and maritime security.
Blue Economy
Supports port development, offshore infrastructure, fisheries and marine resource exploration through updated hydrographic information.
Regional Cooperation
Strengthens India’s role as a regional hydrographic partner by assisting friendly countries with hydrographic surveys and nautical charting under the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Demonstrates India’s growing indigenous capability in designing and building specialised naval platforms.
Way Forward
- Complete induction of all four Survey Vessels (Large).
- Integrate advanced autonomous survey systems and unmanned underwater vehicles.
- Expand hydrographic cooperation with Indian Ocean littoral countries.
- Strengthen seabed mapping for maritime security and Blue Economy initiatives.
Conclusion
The Sandhayak-class Survey Vessels (Large) significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s hydrographic and oceanographic capabilities. By supporting safe navigation, maritime security, underwater domain awareness and regional cooperation, they play a vital role in advancing India’s maritime interests and strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific.
