India Launches Advanced Ocean Research Vessel ORV Sagar Manthan

#GS-3 #Science & Technology #Environment #Resources #Infrastructure #Current Events #National #Deep Ocean Mission

Key takeaways

Union Minister launched India's state-of-the-art ocean research vessel ORV Sagar Manthan at Rishi Bankim Shipyard in Kolkata.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) under Vertical-4 of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), the ship costs ₹840 crore and has an operational lifespan of 30 years.
Designed for extreme environments like the Southern Ocean, the vessel carries specialized gear to deploy Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
The ship will survey the Indian Ocean floor for polymetallic hydrothermal sulphides and holds dual classification from IRS and ABS.

The Union Minister recently launched India's modern deep-sea research ship ORV Sagar Manthan (Yard 3041) at Rishi Bankim Shipyard in Kolkata.

ORV Sagar Manthan is an all-weather oceanographic research vessel designed to work in tough conditions like the Southern Ocean. Built under Vertical-4 of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) at a cost of ₹840 crore, it has a service life of 30 years.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata designed and constructed this advanced scientific vessel.
This ship aims to boost self-reliance in marine science, locate seabed minerals, refine weather and tsunami predictions, and expand India's presence in international waters.

High-Tech Sensor Suite: The vessel combines dynamic positioning, multibeam bathymetry, seismic reflection equipment, sub-bottom profilers, and weather radar.
Deep Submersible Support: It features specialized deck machinery and drop keels to deploy Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and seabed coring tools.
Seabed Mineral Surveys: Engineers built the ship to explore Indian Ocean ridges for valuable deposits like polymetallic hydrothermal sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts.
Atmospheric and Water Profiling: Dedicated onboard laboratories allow scientists to sample the upper atmosphere, continuously collect ocean water, and measure temperature, depth, and salinity.
Dual International Certification: The vessel complies with strict international standards and carries certification from both the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Indigenous Capability: Building this advanced vessel locally marks a transition from importing scientific ships to developing complex marine technology within India.
Resource and Climate Security: The ship strengthens mapping of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) while aiding vital research on monsoons, climate change, and natural disasters.