GRSE Wins Rs 840 Cr Contract to Build Advanced 5,900-Ton Ocean Research Vessel for NCPOR

In a significant development for maritime research, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has secured a contract worth Rs 840 crore from the National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research (NCPOR). This contract, signed in Goa, marks another milestone for GRSE, renowned for its expertise in building advanced vessels for the Indian Navy over the past four decades.

The contract was signed by Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding) at GRSE, and M M Subramaniam, Scientist I/C, Vessel Operation and Management at NCPOR. The event was witnessed by Dr Thamban Meloth, Director of NCPOR, alongside senior officials from both organizations. This new endeavor underscores GRSE's commitment to advancing maritime research capabilities.

The Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) to be built under this contract will have an overall length of 89.50 meters, a width of 18.80 meters, and a depth of 12.50 meters. With a gross tonnage of 5,900 tons, the vessel will achieve a speed of 14 knots at 90% of its maximum continuous rating (MCR). Designed for versatile oceanographic research, the ORV will be capable of operating at depths up to 6,000 meters.

GRSE's extensive experience in constructing survey vessels is a significant asset for this project. Notably, the Marine Acoustic Research Vessel INS Sagardhwani, built by GRSE in 1994, is currently being refitted at the shipyard. In December 2023, GRSE delivered the INS Sandhayak, the largest survey vessel built in India, to the Navy. With three more vessels of this class nearing completion, GRSE's proven track record positions it well for the successful delivery of the ORV for NCPOR.

The new research vessel will feature advanced capabilities, including Underway Swath Multibeam and Geophysical Seismic surveys in both coastal seas and deep waters. It will facilitate Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) profiling, water sampling operations, surface and deep-sea mooring, and data buoy operations. Additionally, it will enable seabed sampling using corers and grabs, rock dredging with chain bag dredges, and atmospheric observations. The ORV will also support surface meteorological and current measurements and upper air data collection. Equipped to deploy and retrieve heavy test/protocol-type equipment and submersibles such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), the vessel will serve as a comprehensive platform for scientific research and training.

Scientists onboard will have the capability to conduct analytical work and process data in real-time, enhancing the efficiency of research missions. The vessel will also provide training opportunities for scientists and technicians, fostering the development of expertise in oceanographic research.

GRSE's reputation as a leading builder of specialized vessels continues to grow. In addition to the ORV for NCPOR, GRSE recently secured agreements to build an advanced tug for the Bangladesh Navy and a dredger for the Government of Bangladesh. The shipyard is also constructing multi-purpose cargo vessels for a German company and 18 warships for the Indian Navy.

This latest contract with NCPOR highlights GRSE's pivotal role in advancing India's maritime research capabilities, reinforcing its status as a premier shipbuilder in the region.