Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence, has secured a significant contract to construct two state-of-the-art Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) for the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The contract was officially signed on Wednesday in Kolkata by GRSE’s Director (Shipbuilding), Commander Shantanu Bose, and GSI’s Deputy Director General and Head of the Marine & Coastal Survey Division, Dr NM Shareef.
The ceremony was also graced by GSI Director General Asit Saha and senior officials from both organisations.
Specifications and Capabilities of the Coastal Research Vessels
Each Coastal Research Vessel will measure 64 meters in length and 12 meters in width, with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 450 tons. The vessels will accommodate 35 personnel and have an endurance capacity to stay at sea for up to 15 days at a maximum speed of 10 knots.
Designed to serve multiple roles, these vessels will support offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration including dredging, ocean environment monitoring, and various scientific research missions. The ships will be equipped with modern, fully outfitted onboard laboratories to facilitate real-time data processing and sample analysis.
The CRVs will boast Dynamic Positioning – 1 (DP-1) capability, allowing them to maintain a fixed position in Sea State 3 conditions. They are intended to operate within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at depths ranging from 5 to 1,000 meters. Propulsion will be provided by advanced diesel-electric systems ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
Strengthening GRSE’s Research Vessel Portfolio
This new contract reinforces GRSE’s expanding footprint in the specialised domain of research and survey vessels. The shipyard is already engaged in the construction of an Ocean Research Vessel for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and an Acoustic Research Ship for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) under DRDO.
Though renowned primarily for its warship production, GRSE has a rich legacy in the construction of research and survey vessels. Notable among past achievements is the INS Sagardhwani, a marine acoustic research ship delivered in 1994, alongside multiple survey vessels built for the Indian Navy. Recently, GRSE delivered two advanced Survey Vessels (Large) of the Sandhayak class to the Navy, with two more under construction.
Diversified Portfolio Beyond Defence
Apart from defence projects, GRSE is also building eight multi-purpose cargo vessels for a German client. Furthermore, it has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Indian Navy’s prestigious Next Generation Corvettes (NGC) programme, which involves the construction of five cutting-edge warships.
Looking Ahead
With its latest contract for the GSI Coastal Research Vessels, GRSE continues to consolidate its reputation as a trusted shipbuilder, capable of delivering specialised vessels that meet India’s strategic scientific and maritime research needs.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited is a premier defence shipyard based in Kolkata, known for building advanced warships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. With over 100 vessels delivered, GRSE plays a vital role in India’s maritime defence and export capabilities.
