The ocean accounts for more than 70 percent of Earth's surface area, but most parts of its deep oceanic region are still not explored. For India, the need to explore the ocean has become crucial for several reasons, including climatic issues, disaster management, marine life, and seabed resource exploration. In one of the key milestones for achieving this objective, India has launched its state-of-the-art Ocean Research Vessel (ORV), known as Sagar Manthan (Yard 3041), on September 9, 2026, at Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata.
Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) Ministry of Earth Sciences, the vessel marks one of the key steps taken by India towards self-reliance in this field of study. The development of the vessel is taking place under Deep Ocean Mission Vertical-4 - Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration. The total cost of the project would be approximately ₹840 crore.
507.1) A Floating Laboratory for the Deep Sea
Sagar Manthan is no common ship. This is a purpose-built all-weather and multi-discipline research platform designed to work in some of the toughest marine areas in the world, which includes Southern Ocean. Having an estimated life span of about 30 years, this vessel will give Indian scientists a very advanced platform to conduct scientific studies in the ocean right from its surface till the sea bed.
Among other things, the scientific systems on board would include multibeam bathymetry, multichannel seismic, sub-bottom profiling, weather radar and dynamic positioning system. Using these systems, scientists will be able to map the ocean bed, geology of the area, atmospheric conditions and processes happening below the sea bed.
Also, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) would be used with the help of this vessel. Using such advanced technology would enable scientists to explore parts of the ocean that are difficult for humans to explore.
507.2) Exploring Resources, Climate and Life
One of the key missions of the Sagar Manthan will be the mapping of the Indian Ocean Mid-Ocean Ridges for the occurrence of polymetallic hydrothermal sulphide mineralisation as well as other seabed minerals. This type of deposit may contain precious metals, and therefore, deep-sea explorations are highly strategic for the future resource security of India. In addition, exploration should go hand in hand with environmental monitoring and scientific evaluation of delicate marine ecosystems.
The ship will also carry out environmental baseline studies, water column sampling, atmosphere studies and Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) profiling. Research of this kind may help to develop a better understanding of the phenomenon of climate change, ocean circulation, monsoonal behavior and marine ecosystems.
507.3) A Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat
Probably the greatest value of the Sagar Manthan lies in the fact that this ship was built by India itself. In the past, India has used some research vessels built abroad. To have this kind of advanced technology built locally represents a sign that the shipyards and scientists of India can build such advanced infrastructure in their own country.
The ship meets international standards, and has dual class certification issued by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
So the launch of the Sagar Manthan is not just about getting one more ship for India's fleet. This is about India being ready to dig into its oceans, discover all the mysteries that it holds, and then use scientific discoveries to create a better and safer future. After additional construction and sea trials, the ship will be delivered and commissioned in 2028.
From exploring the ocean bottom to learning about the climate changes, the Sagar Manthan will become an amazing symbol of India's scientific ambitions: the future of ocean studies is sailing away from India now.
Team Yuva Aaveg-
Adarsh Tiwari
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