Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), a Government of India undertaking, has signed a contract with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for the construction of two Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs). The agreement was finalised on 11 June 2025, marking a significant milestone in GRSE’s growing portfolio of specialised research vessels.

The contract was signed by Commander Shantanu Bose, Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, and Dr N. M. Shareef, Deputy Director General and Head of the Marine & Coastal Survey Division at GSI. The ceremony took place in the presence of Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI, along with other senior officials from both organisations.

Each CRV will measure 64 metres in length and 12 metres in width, with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 450 tonnes. Designed for extended missions, these vessels will have an endurance of 15 days and a top speed of 10 knots. Accommodation will be available for 35 personnel onboard.

These state-of-the-art vessels are equipped to conduct offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration—including dredging—alongside ocean environment monitoring and scientific research. Onboard facilities will include fully-equipped laboratories for data processing and sample analysis, ensuring a robust scientific capability at sea.

The CRVs will feature Dynamic Positioning – 1 systems to maintain stability and location even under Sea State 3 conditions. They will be powered by diesel-electric propulsion, with diesel generators driving the thrusters, and will operate within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at depths ranging from 5 to 1,000 metres.

GRSE has long-standing expertise in building research platforms. It is currently constructing 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), part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Historically, GRSE delivered the marine acoustic research vessel INS Sagardhwani to NPOL in 1994 and six naval survey vessels between 1981 and 1993. More recently, it delivered two Sandhayak-class Large Survey Vessels to the Indian Navy, with two more under construction. These are the largest and most sophisticated survey ships built in India to date.

In addition to research platforms, GRSE is actively building 16 warships across four different classes for the Indian Navy. The shipyard has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Navy’s Next Generation Corvettes (NGC) programme, which is expected to result in a contract for five advanced vessels. GRSE is also constructing eight multi-purpose cargo ships for a German client, underlining its capabilities in both defence and commercial shipbuilding sectors.