The Indian Ministry of Defence has announced the launch of its third Survey Vessel – Large (SVL), the “Ikshak,” for the Indian Navy in Kattupalli, Chennai.
The Ikshak made its first surface contact in the Bay of Bengal during a ceremony led by Vice Adm. Makarand Arvind Hampiholi of the Indian Southern Naval Command.
Work on the four SVLs was contracted with Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in 2018. L&T Shipbuilding assisted in the construction of the first three vessels at its facilities in Kattupalli.
The first and second SVL-class vessels “Sandhayak” and “Nirdeshak” were launched in 2021 and 2022.
Once completed, the four SVLs will replace the Indian Navy’s aging survey ships.
Indian SVL Fleet
The SVL fleet is expected to provide the Indian Navy with detailed surveys of navigational channels, costs, ports, and deep-water areas in Indian maritime territories.
A secondary function of the ships includes the provision of limited defense and service as hospital vessels during emergencies.
Each vessel is 110 meters (330 feet) long and integrated with next-generation hydrographic capabilities for gathering geological and oceanographic data.
An SVL can carry up to four survey motorboats, a single rotorcraft, and more than 200 personnel.
It is powered by a propulsion system with two main engines and a twin shaft configuration, allowing a maximum speed of 18 knots (33 kilometers/21 miles per hour).