India launches a new ocean research vessel that can explore deep-sea rare earth mineral, oil and gas: Here's what GRSE's new vessel can do

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has launched a new Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) called Sagar Manthan for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, with Union minister Jitendra Singh virtually launching the vessel.

The 89.50-metre-long ship, with a width of 18.80 metres and depth of 12.50 metres, will have a gross tonnage of 5,900 tonnes and a maximum speed of 14 knots at 90% maximum continuous rating. The vessel is designed to support scientific research in coastal waters and the deep sea, with an operating capability of up to 6,000 metres.

Vessel designed for deep-sea research

The multidisciplinary research vessel will support a range of oceanographic and deep-sea activities, including multibeam bathymetry, geophysical seismic surveys, Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) profiling and water sampling.


It has been built to operate in extreme oceanic environments, including the Southern Ocean, with a projected service life of 30 years.

Its seismic survey capability will allow researchers to study geological structures beneath the seabed, including those relevant to subsea oil and gas exploration.

The ORV will also be used for surface and deep-sea mooring, data-buoy operations, seabed sampling through corers and grabs, and rock dredging. It will be capable of deploying and recovering equipment such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

Scientists will be able to conduct analytical work and process data on board, while the vessel will also provide facilities for training and education for scientists and technicians.

Gondola and drop keel support scientific instruments

The vessel will feature specialised structures designed to help position sensitive scientific instruments away from turbulence generated by the movement of the ship.

A gondola is a streamlined structure mounted beneath the hull, while a drop keel is a retractable structure that can be lowered below the vessel. Such arrangements can help place acoustic and oceanographic instruments in relatively undisturbed water during scientific operations.

Laboratories and scientific systems

The ORV will be equipped with laboratories, scientific equipment and facilities for different areas of oceanography and deep-sea mineral exploration.

Major systems include a multibeam bathymetry system, multichannel seismic equipment, ocean profilers, seabed samplers, onboard analytical systems and heavy-duty deck machinery.

The vessel will be built under the dual classification of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). It will also conform to the latest MARPOL standards of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), according to the release.

DP2 system for precise positioning

The vessel will be fitted with a DP2 dynamic positioning system. According to the release, the system will allow accurate manoeuvring and help maintain the vessel’s position during scientific operations that require precise positioning at sea.

The combination of its research equipment, laboratories and deep-sea capabilities is intended to allow the vessel to undertake a wide range of oceanographic, geological and underwater research activities.