GRSE Commences Construction of Acoustic Research Ship for NPOL, DRDO
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has officially begun construction on a state-of-the-art Acoustic Research Ship (ARS) for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), part of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by key officials, including Dr. Sameer V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO. This new vessel is set to enhance India’s maritime research capabilities significantly.
Key Features of the Acoustic Research Ship
The ARS, measuring 93 meters in length and 18 meters in width, is designed to accommodate a crew of 120 personnel. It boasts impressive operational capabilities, with speeds ranging from 4 to 12 knots and an endurance of up to 30 days or 4,500 nautical miles on a single mission. This advanced platform will facilitate a variety of research activities, including the deployment, towing, and retrieval of acoustic modules. It will also conduct high-resolution surveys of sound velocity profiles and gather critical data on ocean tides and currents, which are essential for optimizing surveys and designing underwater moorings.
In addition to its primary functions, the ARS will perform meteorological surveys to assess how atmospheric conditions affect sound propagation. It will also engage in shallow water acoustic reverberation studies. The vessel’s capability to launch, moor, and maintain standalone buoys will further enhance its data collection efforts. With its wide speed range, the ARS can operate under various conditions while maintaining a low noise profile, making it ideal for acoustic system trials.
Equipped with a dynamic positioning system, the ARS can maintain its position in conditions up to Sea State 4. The ship will feature diesel-electric propulsion and will be outfitted with three deck cranes to facilitate the handling of research equipment. This innovative vessel represents a significant advancement in India’s maritime research capabilities.
Future Developments in Maritime Research
On July 16, 2024, GRSE also signed a contract with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences for the construction of an advanced Ocean Research Vessel (ORV). This initiative underscores GRSE’s commitment to enhancing India’s research fleet and supporting the country’s scientific endeavors in oceanography and related fields.
The construction of the ARS and the upcoming ORV reflects a strategic investment in India’s maritime research infrastructure, aiming to bolster the nation’s capabilities in understanding and utilizing ocean resources effectively. With these advancements, India is poised to make significant contributions to global maritime research and environmental monitoring.
