The Indian Navy has received Sanshodhak, the fourth and final Survey Vessel (Large) built under a four-ship project at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
The vessel was delivered on March 30, marking the completion of the project contracted in October 2018. The earlier ships of the class — Sandhayak, Nirdeshak and Ikshak — were commissioned between February 2024 and November 2025.
Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at GRSE, Sanshodhak is equipped to undertake hydrographic surveys in coastal as well as deep-water areas, including mapping harbour approaches and navigational routes. It is also capable of collecting oceanographic and geophysical data for both defence and civilian use.
With a displacement of around 3,400 tonnes and a length of about 110 metres, the ship is fitted with advanced hydrographic systems, including data acquisition and processing systems, autonomous underwater and remotely operated vehicles, long-range positioning systems and side scan sonar. Powered by two diesel engines, it can reach speeds of over 18 knots.
The keel of the vessel was laid in June 2022 and it was launched in June 2023, following which it underwent harbour and sea trials before delivery.
According to the ministry, the ship has an indigenous content of over 80 per cent by cost, and its induction marks the completion of the Navy’s Survey Vessel (Large) programme, aimed at enhancing India’s hydrographic and maritime capabilities.
