India Launches Indigenous Ocean Research Vessel 'ORV Sagar Manthan' in Kolkata

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh virtually launched India's advanced indigenous Ocean Research Vessel (ORV), named 'ORV Sagar Manthan', at Rishi Bankim Shipyard in Kolkata. Built by Defence Public Sector Undertaking Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) at a cost of approximately ₹840 crore, the vessel has been commissioned for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Constructed under the government’s flagship Deep Ocean Mission, the 89.5-metre long and 18.8-metre wide vessel is designed to operate in extreme oceanic environments, including the Southern Ocean. Equipped with dynamic positioning, multibeam bathymetry, multichannel seismic systems, weather radar, and deployment facilities for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), the ship is capable of conducting deep-sea surveys down to a depth of 6,000 metres. 'ORV Sagar Manthan' will gradually replace the 43-year-old 'ORV Sagar Kanya', which was procured from Germany in 1983. Hailing the launch as a milestone for Atmanirbhar Bharat in maritime science, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that solid oceanographic data collected by the vessel will enhance India's leadership in global ocean geopolitics, disaster prevention, climate study, and deep-sea mineral exploration.