INS Nirdeshak: At the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, Shri Sanjay Seth, the Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM), led the ceremony to commission Nirdeshak, the second ship in the Survey Vessel (Large) Project. The event was hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, who leads the Eastern Naval Command, and was attended by senior naval officers, representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), and other special guests.
The commissioning of Nirdeshak highlights India’s focus on becoming self-reliant under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program. According to Republicworld, the ship was built by GRSE in Kolkata, with over 80% of its parts made in India. This was made possible through teamwork between the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, public sector companies like the Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), small and medium businesses (MSMEs), and private companies.
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Nirdeshak is a modern version of the old Nirdeshak, which served the Indian Navy for 32 years before being retired in 2014. Equipped with advanced technology, the new ship is designed to perform detailed underwater surveys and represents a big step forward in naval exploration. It carries on the proud legacy of its predecessor while setting new standards for future ships.
Nirdeshak: Advanced Hydrographic Survey and Maritime Navigation
Nirdeshak: A Voyage of Innovation & Self-Reliance
From the iconic legacy of the first #INSNirdeshak to the pioneering construction of its modern second avatar at @OfficialGRSE, Kolkata, the story continues!
As we approach the commissioning of the reincarnated Nirdeshak, witness… pic.twitter.com/O8apA1bixK
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 17, 2024
Nirdeshak is outfitted with advanced systems and modern technology designed for hydrographic surveys and maritime navigation. It has a top speed of over 18 knots and can stay at sea for up to 25 days, allowing it to perform long-duration operations. Its commissioning is a key step in the Indian Navy’s efforts to upgrade its hydrographic fleet and improve its understanding of maritime areas.
Hydrographic surveys are crucial for various activities such as safe navigation, marine construction, dredging, offshore energy exploration, and installing underwater cables for telecommunications and power. Hydrography involves gathering and studying data about the seabed, tides, currents, and underwater obstacles. While traditional surveys used techniques like sounding lines and echo sounding, modern methods increasingly rely on advanced electronic sensors and aerial technologies, especially for exploring shallow waters.
Nirdeshak Commissioning Enhances India’s SAGAR Vision
The commissioning of Nirdeshak strengthens India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, which focuses on regional security, economic progress, and environmental sustainability. The vessel’s advanced capabilities will enhance India’s naval power while also aiding scientific research and encouraging maritime cooperation in the region.
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The hydrographic fleet is vital for ensuring safe navigation and supporting India’s growing offshore infrastructure, including wind farms, oil exploration, and subsea cable routes. Nirdeshak adds an important new capability to these efforts, demonstrating India’s leadership and technological advancement in maritime innovation.
National Pride in Defense Manufacturing
Speaking at the ceremony, RRM Shri Sanjay Seth emphasized the importance of indigenisation in defense manufacturing, stating, “The commissioning of Nirdeshak is a testament to our nation’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in defence. This vessel, built with indigenous expertise, reflects our ability to meet the evolving needs of the Indian Navy and reinforces our leadership in the maritime domain.”
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar also expressed pride in the vessel’s capabilities, noting its significance in advancing India’s hydrographic expertise. He remarked, “The Nirdeshak will serve as a vital asset, supporting not only the Indian Navy’s strategic needs but also our commitment to fostering regional maritime security.”
The ceremony concluded with a demonstration of the ship’s operational capabilities and a recognition of the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition. With the commissioning of Nirdeshak, India takes another major step in enhancing its naval capabilities, securing its maritime borders, and advancing the broader vision of sustainable growth and security in the region.
