INS Sandhayak Joins the Indian Navy: A Milestone in Maritime Capability
In a momentous ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, the Indian Navy welcomed its first Survey Large (SVL) ship, INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025), into its fleet on February 3, 2024. The commissioning ceremony, graced by the presence of Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, marked a significant stride in enhancing India's maritime capabilities.
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| The first survey ship 'INS Sandhyak' joins the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam. |
Origin and Construction: A Product of Indigenous Expertise
INS Sandhayak is the inaugural vessel in a series of four survey vessels (large) constructed at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The project, executed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, reflects a commitment to bolstering naval infrastructure with cutting-edge technology and indigenous expertise.
Technical Specifications: A Powerhouse in Hydrographic Surveys
Powered by two diesel engines, INS Sandhayak boasts a speed potential exceeding 18 knots. With a length of 110 meters and a weight of 3400 tonnes, the vessel is a testament to the prowess of Indian shipbuilding, incorporating over 80 percent indigenous content in terms of cost.
Primary Role: Hydrographic Surveys for Safe Maritime Navigation
The primary mission of INS Sandhayak is to conduct comprehensive hydrographic surveys, covering ports, harbors, navigation channels/routes, coastal areas, and high seas. These surveys play a pivotal role in ensuring safe maritime navigation, a crucial aspect for both civilian and naval operations. In addition to its primary role, the ship is equipped to execute various naval missions in its secondary capacity.
Hopeful Vision: Defense Minister's Perspective
Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about INS Sandhayak's role in furthering India's maritime capabilities. He highlighted the dual objective of gaining vital information about the oceans and safeguarding not only India but also neighboring nations.
INS Sandhayak: A Successor with a Rich Legacy
The commissioning of INS Sandhayak marks the retirement of its predecessor, INS Sandhyak, the oldest hydrographic survey ship in the Indian Navy, decommissioned in 2021. In its four decades of service, INS Sandhayak played a pivotal role in over 200 major hydrographic surveys, spanning the western and eastern coasts of the Indian Peninsula, the Andaman Sea, and neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
Key Contributions: A Legacy of Service
INS Sandhayak played a crucial role in significant operations, including Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka in 1987, Operation Rainbow for humanitarian assistance post the 2004 tsunami, and the inaugural India-US HADR exercise Tiger-Triumph in 2019.
In conclusion, the induction of INS Sandhayak into the Indian Navy underscores the nation's commitment to maritime excellence, combining technological advancements with a rich legacy of service. This addition to the fleet not only enhances hydrographic capabilities but also contributes to India's strategic presence in the maritime domain.
