GRSE launches ‘Sagar Manthan’ ocean research vessel for NCPOR

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has launched the Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) ‘Sagar Manthan’, being built for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India.

The vessel was launched on September 9, 2026, at GRSE’s Rishi Bankim Shipyard in Kolkata. The launch took place around five months after the vessel’s keel was laid, marking the completion of another major construction milestone.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, attended the event as Chief Guest. Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, was the Guest of Honour.

The ORV was named ‘Sagar Manthan’ by Smt Manju Singh, wife of Dr Jitendra Singh. The vessel was launched by Smt Kavita Ellanti, wife of Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala.

What are the specifications of Sagar Manthan?

The Ocean Research Vessel measures 89.50 metres in length and 18.80 metres in width, with a gross tonnage of approximately 5,900 tonnes. It is designed to achieve a speed of 14 knots at 90% maximum continuous rating (MCR).

The vessel is being developed to support a range of oceanographic, geophysical and atmospheric research activities in both coastal waters and deep-sea environments.

What research capabilities will the vessel have?

Once delivered, ‘Sagar Manthan’ will be equipped to conduct underway swath multibeam and geophysical seismic surveys in coastal and deep waters, including operations at depths of up to 6,000 metres.

Its research capabilities will include:

• Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) profiling
• Water sampling and biological sampling using vertical and horizontal nets
• Surface and deep-sea mooring operations
• Data buoy deployment and operations
• Seabed sampling using corers and grabs
• Rock dredging using chain-bag dredges
• Atmospheric observations while underway
• Surface meteorological and current measurements
• Collection of upper-air data
• Onboard analytical work and data processing

The vessel will also provide facilities for training and education of scientists and technicians involved in ocean research.

GRSE’s research vessel portfolio

GRSE has been involved in the construction of survey vessels for the Indian Navy for nearly four decades. The shipyard delivered survey vessels to the Navy during the 1980s and subsequently built the Marine Acoustic Research Vessel INS Sagardhwani for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in 1994. The vessel remains in service and has recently undergone a refit at GRSE.

The shipbuilder has also delivered four Survey Vessels (Large) to the Indian Navy. The latest, INS Sanshodhak, was delivered on March 30, 2026. These vessels are currently the largest survey ships built in India and operated by the Navy.

In addition to ‘Sagar Manthan’, GRSE is constructing an Acoustic Research Ship for NPOL and two Coastal Research Vessels for the Geological Survey of India.

GRSE’s current shipbuilding programme

GRSE is currently constructing nine warships for the Indian Navy, including an advanced guided missile frigate under Project 17A, four Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWCs) and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels.

The shipyard is also constructing 32 other platforms, including 13 ships for export. It is in the advanced stages of concluding a contract for five Next Generation Corvettes for the Indian Navy.

Deep Ocean Mission

The ORV is being constructed as part of the Government of India’s Deep Ocean Mission and is intended to expand the country’s capacity for scientific research and exploration of the oceans.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Earth Sciences stated that this vessel being built at GRSE represents the growing strength of India’s indigenous shipbuilding, engineering and scientific capabilities.

Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences said that he was happy to be at the launch of a GRSE built Ocean Research Vessel for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, which is being constructed under a very important mission of the Government of India called the Deep Ocean Mission. He urged NCPOR and GRSE to keep up the pace and assure all support from the Ministry’s end.

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE said, “I believe that GRSE epitomizes Atmanirbharta in Warship building and now, with four specialised state-of-the-art Research Vessels being built by GRSE, I would like to rephrase my statement – GRSE epitomizes Atmanirbharta in Design & Construction of Warships & Research Vessels”.