New Delhi, : The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) as the lowest bidder (L1) for the construction of five Next Generation Survey Vessels (NGSV) for the Indian Navy. The development was confirmed following a meeting held at the Ministry of Defence on February 16, 2026.
The estimated value of the contract is approximately ₹5,000 crore. Cochin Shipyard has secured L1 status in the commercial evaluation process; however, the formal award of the contract will be subject to the completion of standard administrative, contractual and technical formalities in accordance with defence procurement procedures.
Project Scope and Operational Role
The five Next Generation Survey Vessels are intended to replace the Indian Navy’s existing ageing survey fleet and enhance its hydrographic and oceanographic capabilities.
The primary role of the NGSVs will be to conduct full-scale hydrographic surveys in coastal and deep-water areas, including ports, navigational channels and India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These surveys are essential for updating nautical charts, ensuring maritime safety, and supporting naval operations.
The vessels will also collect oceanographic and geophysical data required for both civilian navigation and defence-related applications. Accurate seabed mapping and environmental data are significant for submarine operations, mine countermeasure planning and maritime domain awareness.
In addition to their primary hydrographic function, the NGSVs will be capable of supporting Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and ocean research missions. The ships are designed with modular capabilities that allow them to be configured as hospital ships during emergencies, providing medical support in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) scenarios.
Technical Features
The Next Generation Survey Vessels will be equipped with advanced autonomous and remotely operated systems to enhance underwater survey capabilities. These include:
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Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
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Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
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High-resolution multi-beam echo sounders
The integration of multi-beam echo sounders will enable the creation of precise three-dimensional seabed maps. The deployment of AUVs and ROVs will support survey operations in deeper and complex underwater environments with improved accuracy and operational efficiency.
Alignment with Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The project is aligned with the Government of India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, which aim to increase indigenous design, development and manufacturing in the defence sector. The NGSV programme is expected to incorporate a high level of domestic content, contributing to local industry participation and supply chain development.
Cochin Shipyard Limited, a state-owned shipbuilding and maintenance facility under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has an established track record in executing complex naval construction projects. The shipyard previously constructed India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, for the Indian Navy.
In addition to the NGSV project, CSL’s current order book includes contracts for electric green tugs and the ongoing construction of Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV). The addition of the five survey vessels further expands the company’s defence portfolio and strengthens its long-term project pipeline.
Financial and Market Response
Following the announcement on Tuesday, Cochin Shipyard’s shares rose by more than 7 percent during intraday trading, reaching ₹1,574.50 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Market analysts indicated that the ₹5,000 crore project provides long-term revenue visibility, as naval shipbuilding contracts typically extend over multiple years from design to delivery.
In its regulatory filing, Cochin Shipyard clarified that none of its promoters or group companies have any personal interest in the Ministry of Defence’s awarding authority. The company stated that the bidding and evaluation process complies with applicable corporate governance and transparency standards.
The final contract signing will be subject to the completion of procedural requirements under the defence procurement framework. Once formalized, the project will proceed as part of the Indian Navy’s fleet modernization and capability enhancement programme.
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