Indian Navy launches new survey vessel ‘Ikshak’

Tags: Defence

The Indian Navy launched 'Ikshak', the third of the four Survey Ships (Large) being built by GRSE/L&T at Kattupalli, Chennai on 26 November.

Important facts

• In keeping with the Naval maritime tradition, Smt Madhumati Hampiholi, spouse of VAdm MA Hampiholi, launched the ship to the chanting of invocation from Atharva Veda. 

• It was launched in the presence of VADM MA Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.

• The ship has been named ‘Ikshak’ which means ‘Guide’. 

• The ship has been named to signify the contribution of the Survey ships towards facilitating safe passage for Mariners at Sea.  

• Contract for building four SVL ships was signed between MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on 30 Oct 18 for a total cost of Rs 2435 Cr. 

•  The first of class ship ‘Sandhayak’ was launched on 5 Dec 21 at GRSE, Kolkata, by Smt Pushpa Bhatt, wife of Ajay Bhatt, Raksha Rajya Mantri, who was the Chief Guest for Launching Ceremony.

• SVL ships will replace the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships with new generation hydrographic equipment to collect oceanographic data. 

• Survey vessels (large) vessels are 110 meters long and 16 meters wide with a deep displacement of 3400 tons.

• The Survey Vessels Large will have over 80% indigenous content by cost.