Indian Navy commissions survey vessel ‘Ikshak’

• The Indian Navy commissioned ‘Ikshak’, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) class and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command, on November 6.

• The ship was formally commissioned into service in presence of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, at a ceremony at Naval Base, Kochi on November 6.

• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, Ikshak stands as a shining example of India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding. 

• The contract for the four-ship Survey Vessel (Large) project was signed on October 30, 2018.

• INS Sandhayak, the first of the Survey Vessel (Large) class hydrographic survey ships, was commissioned in February 2024.

• INS Nirdeshak, the second one in the series, was commissioned on December 18, 2024.

Key points on Ikshak:

• The name ‘Ikshak’, meaning “guide” in Sanskrit. It symbolises the ship's mission to chart the unknown, ensure safe passage for mariners, and strengthen India’s maritime power.

• The 110-meter-long vessel, with a displacement of approximately 3,800 tonnes, is powered by two diesel engines.

• The vessel embodies over 80 per cent indigenous content, reflecting collaborative synergy between GRSE and Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

• The vessel is designed to undertake full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels. 

• The data generated will be vital for ensuring safe navigation at sea, strengthening India’s maritime safety framework.

• The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic equipment, including a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs).

• Ikshak brings unmatched versatility and capability to the Navy’s hydrographic fleet. 

• Beyond the primary role of hydrographic survey operations, Ikshak is designed with dual-role capability, serving as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform, and as a hospital ship during emergencies.

• The ship is fitted with a helicopter deck, extending its operational reach and enabling multi-domain missions.

• The commissioning of Ikshak marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to augment its survey and charting infrastructure.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)