GRSE launches indigenous ocean research vessel Sagar Manthan

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the Kolkata-based public sector shipyard, has launched the Sagar Manthan, an indigenously designed and built ocean research vessel. The project represents a significant step in India's efforts to develop advanced maritime research infrastructure and reduce dependence on imported vessels for oceanographic studies.

The research vessel has been developed at a project cost of ₹840 crore and is designed to support India's scientific exploration and monitoring of ocean resources. According to senior government officials, the vessel is expected to be commissioned and ready for operational use by early 2028, subject to successful completion of ongoing construction and trials.

The Sagar Manthan will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to conduct comprehensive oceanographic research, including studies on marine ecosystems, ocean dynamics, and resource assessment. The vessel's indigenous development by GRSE underscores India's growing capability in designing and constructing specialized maritime vessels tailored to national requirements.

This initiative aligns with India's broader maritime strategy to strengthen its presence in ocean research and management. The successful delivery of the Sagar Manthan is expected to enhance the country's capacity for long-term ocean monitoring and scientific research across the Indian Ocean region.