By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, Nov 28:
“Ikshak”, the third of the four survey vessels (Large) (SVL) Project, being built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and L&T for Indian Navy was launched on Saturday at Kattupalli, Chennai.
She made her first contact with water of Bay of Bengal at 1040 hrs at the launch ceremony graced by the Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.
In keeping with the Naval maritime tradition, Madhumati Hampiholi, spouse of Vice Admiral M A Hampiholi, launched the ship to the chanting of invocation from Atharva Veda. The ship has been named ‘Ikshak’ which means ‘Guide’ and it signifies the contribution of the Survey ships towards facilitating safe passage for Mariners at sea, an official statement read.
Contract for building four SVL ships was signed between Ministry of Defence and GRSE, Kolkata on October 30,2018 for a total cost of Rs 2435 crore. As per build strategy adopted by GRSE, first ship is being built at GRSE, Kolkata and construction of balance three ships (upto outfitting stage) has been sub-contracted to M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli. The first of class ship “Sandhayak” was launched on December 05, 2021 at M/s GRSE, Kolkata.
SVL ships will replace the existing “Sandhayak” Class survey ships fitted with new generation hydrographic equipment to collect oceanographic data. The Survey Vessel (Large) ships are 110 m long, 16 m wide with deep displacement of 3400 tons and a complement of 231 personnel.
Propulsion system of the ship comprise two main engines in twin shaft configuration and is designed with cruise speed of 14 knots and maximum speed of 18 knots. Bow and Stern Thrusters have been catered for better manoeuvring at low speeds required during shallow water survey operations. The hull of these ships is made from indigenously developed DMR 249-A steel manufactured by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
With a capability to carry four survey motor boats and an integral helicopter, the primary role of the ships would be to undertake full scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of Ports and navigational channels. The ships would also be deployed for collecting oceanographic and geophysical data for defence as well as civil applications. In their secondary role, the ships are capable of providing limited defence, besides serving as Hospital ships during emergencies.
Despite challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic, L&T and GRSE have made substantial progress and aim to deliver ‘Ikshak’ by October 2023. The Survey Vessels Large will have over 80% indigenous content by cost. This will also ensure that large scale defence production are executed by Indian manufacturing units thereby generating employment and capability build up within the country, the statement read.
