INS Sandhayak survey vessel

June 04, 2012: The Indian Navy has announced its interest in procuring four new-generation 2000-3000 tonne survey vessels, constructed indigenously by Indian shipbuilders for coastal and deep-water hydrographic and oceanographic surveys. The Navy currently has a fleet of 10 research and survey vessels, including eight Sandhayak-class ships. The Navy has stipulated that the primary role of the new vessels will be full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic survey of ports and harbours, approaches and determination of navigational channels/routes.

In addition, surveys of maritime limits up to EEZ/extended continental shelf, collection of oceanographic and geophysical data for defence applications has also been specified. In a secondary role, the Navy wants the ships to be able to perform limited defence roles in an emergency (suitable arrangements for installation of CRN 91 gun with Optronic pedestal or as indicated by Indian Navy), limited search and rescue capability, limited ocean research capability and hospital ship/casualty holding ship. The ships are required to have single hull construction with welded steel, an endurance of 6,500 nm at economical speed (14-16 knots), a maximum speed of 18 knots and cruising speed of 16 knots. The Navy has also stipulated that the ships should be capable of operating one single-engine rotary wing aircraft, retractable hangar for the full stowage of the aircraft. The Navy is looking at vessels with a complement of 19 officers (including the CO), 40 senior sailors and 160 junior sailors.