GRSE Lays Keel for ARS
In a powerful stride toward fulfilling the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision and substantially enhancing India’s indigenous shipbuilding and maritime research capabilities, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. has successfully laid the keel for the Advanced Acoustic Research Ship (ARS). This crucial vessel is being built for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a premier unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The milestone, achieved remarkably quickly following the October 2024 contract signing, underscores GRSE’s efficiency and the national priority of this project.
Strengthening India’s Underwater Research
The official keel-laying ceremony, hosted at GRSE’s shipyard in Kolkata, was marked by the presence of Dr. Sameer V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman, DRDO, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Kamat lauded GRSE’s rapid progress, noting that the new ARS is poised to dramatically elevate NPOL’s acoustic research capacity. The ship is specifically designed to far exceed the operational capabilities of the long-serving INS Sagar Dhwani, a vessel also constructed by GRSE in 1994, which has provided over three decades of invaluable service.
Advanced Design and Technical Specifications
The Advanced Acoustic Research Ship will function as a cutting-edge scientific platform, measuring 93 metres in length and 18 metres in width. It will be fitted with state-of-the-art acoustic and oceanographic research systems. The vessel’s propulsion will be diesel-electric, allowing for flexible speeds between 4 and 12 knots, and boasting an endurance of 30 days or 4,500 nautical miles, with provisions for up to 120 personnel.
Technologically, the ARS will incorporate advanced features essential for deep-sea research. This includes a dynamic positioning system necessary for stability during operations in rough waters (up to Sea State 4), and three powerful deck cranes for the precise deployment and handling of heavy scientific equipment. The ship’s mission profile covers critical tasks such as:
Deployment and retrieval of diverse acoustic modules.
High-resolution surveys of sound velocity profiles and ocean currents.
Support for meteorological, acoustic propagation studies, and mooring operations.
Collection of vital data from buoys.
GRSE’s Unique Contribution to Research Shipbuilding
Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, highlighted the shipyard’s unique position in India’s maritime landscape. He proudly stated that GRSE is the only shipyard in India currently constructing all major categories of research vessels. This portfolio includes the Hydrographic Survey Vessels for the Indian Navy, this new ARS for DRDO, an Ocean Research Vessel for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Coastal Research Vessels for the Geological Survey of India. This comprehensive capability underscores GRSE’s pivotal role not just in defence, but in advancing India’s scientific exploration and strategic self-reliance across the maritime domain.
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