State-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers announced on June 11 that it has signed a contract to build two coastal research vessels (CRVs) for the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Each vessel will measure 64 metres in length and 12 metres in width, with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 450 tonnes. Designed for 15 days of endurance, the CRVs will be capable of achieving a top speed of 10 knots and will accommodate 35 personnel on board.

The vessels are intended for offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration including dredging, and ocean environment monitoring and research. They will feature modern scientific laboratories for data processing and sample analysis. Equipped with Dynamic Positioning – 1, the ships will be able to maintain their position even in Sea State 3. The vessels will operate within India's exclusive economic zone at depths ranging from 5 to 1,000 metres and will be powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems, with diesel generators driving the thrusters.

The shipyard is currently engaged in the construction of an ocean research vessel for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, as well as an acoustic research ship for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

In addition to these projects, the company is building 16 warships across four classes for the Indian Navy. It has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Navy’s Next Generation Corvettes (NGC) programme and anticipates securing a contract to build five vessels under this initiative. Garden Reach Shipbuilders is also constructing eight multi-purpose cargo vessels for a German client.

News source: CNBC TV18