New Delhi/Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has officially started the construction of two Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) for the Geological Survey of India (GSI), with a ceremonial steel cutting event held in Kolkata on Saturday. The project is part of India’s push for self-reliance in specialised shipbuilding under the Government’s Make in India initiative.
CRV Specifications and Capabilities
Each CRV will measure 64 metres in length and 13 metres in width, with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 461 tonnes. Designed for coastal and offshore scientific operations, the vessels will have:
- Endurance: 15 days
- Top speed: 10 knots
- Accommodation: 35 personnel
The ships will support offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration, ocean environmental monitoring, and scientific research. They will feature modern laboratories for onboard analysis, Dynamic Positioning-1 systems for station keeping in Sea State 3 conditions, and diesel-electric propulsion systems suitable for India’s Exclusive Economic Zone at depths ranging from 5 to 1,000 metres.
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Milestone Event and Leadership Remarks
The steel cutting ceremony was attended by senior officials from GRSE, GSI, the Indian Armed Forces, and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Asit Saha, Director General of GSI, highlighted that the new vessels are nearly double the size of GSI’s existing ships and will serve the organisation for decades, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between GSI and GRSE.
GRSE Chairman and Managing Director P.R. Hari emphasised that the shipyard is enhancing its global profile under the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision. He noted that with four specialised research vessels currently under construction, GRSE is the only Indian shipyard building technologically advanced research platforms of this type.
GRSE’s Expanding Portfolio
In addition to the CRVs, GRSE is engaged in:
- Constructing 12 warships for the Indian Navy
- Building eight advanced multi-purpose vessels for Germany
- Delivering 13 hybrid ferries for West Bengal Government
- Completing an Ocean Research Vessel for NCPOR and an Acoustic Research Ship for NPOL under DRDO
The shipyard is also awaiting finalisation of a contract for five next-generation corvettes for the Indian Navy, having emerged as the lowest bidder.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is a leading Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. In addition to warship and naval vessel construction, GRSE is a pioneer in modular steel bridge solutions, having supplied and launched bridges across India and abroad for defence, disaster relief, and civilian infrastructure projects.
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