Kolkata, Oct 15 (NationPress) The keel for an advanced Acoustic Research Ship (ARS) being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), under the auspices of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was ceremonially laid in Kolkata on Wednesday, with DRDO chairman Sameer V. Kamat in attendance.

The agreement for the state-of-the-art ARS was finalized between GRSE and NPOL in October 2024. Measuring 93 metres in length and 18 metres in width, this vessel will serve as a highly advanced platform equipped with cutting-edge research technologies.

The ARS will achieve speeds between 4 knots and 12 knots, boasting an impressive endurance of 30 days or 4,500 nautical miles during missions at its maximum speed. It will accommodate 120 personnel.

Key features of the ARS will include the ability to deploy, tow, and retrieve various research equipment, such as acoustic modules, conduct high-resolution surveys of sound velocity profiles, and gather data on ocean tides and currents to facilitate survey optimization, underwater mooring design, and offshore deployments.

This research vessel will also perform meteorological surveys to analyze the impact of atmospheric conditions on sound propagation and engage in shallow water acoustic reverberation studies.

Additionally, the ARS will be equipped to launch, moor, and maintain standalone buoys while collecting critical data. Its extensive speed range will allow the ship to operate across various regimes, enabling acoustic system trials while ensuring minimal noise.

The vessel will incorporate a dynamic positioning system to maintain its position in operational conditions up to Sea State 4. Equipped with diesel-electric propulsion, the ARS will feature three deck cranes for efficient handling of research equipment.

With a rich history in constructing research and survey ships, GRSE previously delivered the first series of the Sandhayak Class Survey Vessels to the Navy in the 1980s and 1990s.

In 1994, GRSE delivered the INS Sagardhwani to NPOL, a Marine Acoustic Research Ship that remains in service and recently returned to GRSE for a significant refit and upgrade.

Since 2023, GRSE has also delivered the INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak, and INS Ikshak to the Navy, completing three of the four vessels in the second series of the Sandhayak Class of Survey Vessels (Large).

On July 16, 2024, GRSE signed another contract with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, for the construction of an advanced Ocean Research Vessel (ORV). The shipyard is also tasked with building two Coastal Research Vessels for the Geological Survey of India.

During the milestone ceremony for the ARS, the DRDO chief praised GRSE for achieving significant progress within six to seven months, stating: “NPOL has been utilizing the Sagar Dhwani, built by GRSE since 1994, effectively for 31 years. Hence, it is crucial to develop this new ship with enhanced capabilities beyond those of Sagar Dhwani. I have confidence that GRSE will meet the challenge and deliver on time.”

Commodore P R Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, honored the memory of the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his 94th birth anniversary, emphasizing the shipyard's commitment to modern shipbuilding.

“Beyond core warship construction, we are actively engaged in research and development, particularly in creating innovative products, notably in autonomous platforms, green energy vessels, and portable steel bridges. Currently, we are the only shipyard in India constructing research vessels: Hydrographic Survey Vessels for the Indian Navy, the Acoustic Research Ship for DRDO, the Ocean Research Vessel for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Coastal Research Vessels for the Geological Survey of India,” he stated.