Garden Reach Shipbuilders begins construction of two GSI research vessels

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has commenced construction on two Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) for the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The keel-laying ceremony was attended by GSI Director General Varsha Ashok Aglawe.

Each 64-metre vessel will have a width of 13 metres and a deadweight of approximately 461 tonnes. Designed for a 15-day endurance and a top speed of 10 knots, the ships can accommodate up to 35 personnel. They are intended to support offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration, dredging, and ocean environment monitoring within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone at depths between 5 and 1,000 metres.

The vessels will be equipped with modern scientific laboratories for onboard data processing and sample analysis. They will also feature diesel-electric propulsion systems and Dynamic Positioning System-1 (DP-1) to maintain stability in Sea State 3 conditions.