India Unveils ‘ORV Sagar Manthan’ to Boost Indigenous Marine Research Capabilities
On September 9, 2026, the state-of-the-art Oceanographic Research Vessel (ORV) ‘Sagar Manthan’ was unveiled in Kolkata. Built at a cost of ₹840 crore, the vessel was developed by GRSE for NCPOR. Designed for a service life of approximately 30 years, it will conduct multidisciplinary research in fields such as climate change, oceanography, deep-sea geology, and marine ecology. ‘Sagar Manthan’ will play a pivotal role in surveying the Mid-Oceanic Ridge in the Indian Ocean and exploring marine mineral resources under the Deep Ocean Mission. The oceanographic and atmospheric data gathered by the vessel will aid in climate studies, tsunami forecasting, disaster management, and strengthening India’s Blue Economy.
On September 9, 2026, the state-of-the-art Oceanographic Research Vessel (ORV) ‘Sagar Manthan’ was unveiled in Kolkata. It was developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) at an estimated cost of ₹840 crore. This project marks a significant step towards strengthening India's indigenous marine research capabilities.
A Premier Platform for Multidisciplinary Marine Research
‘Sagar Manthan’ is designed for year-round operation in challenging marine conditions. It will be utilized to study climate change, oceanography, deep-sea geology, marine ecology, and oceanic processes. The vessel has an estimated operational lifespan of approximately 30 years.
Equipped with State-of-the-Art Scientific Instruments
The vessel features modern systems such as multi-beam bathymetry, multi-channel seismic systems, sub-bottom profiling, weather radar, a drop keel, and CTD profiling capabilities. Additionally, it is capable of deploying Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), enabling the collection of scientific data ranging from the ocean surface to the deep-sea floor.
Pivotal Role in the Deep Ocean Mission
'Sagar Manthan' will play a crucial role in the 'Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration' component of India's Deep Ocean Mission (DOM). It will facilitate the surveying of Mid-Oceanic Ridge regions in the Indian Ocean and the study of Polymetallic Hydrothermal Sulphide Mineralisation. This will strengthen India's understanding of marine mineral resources and the deep-sea environment.
Utility for Climate and Disaster Management
High-quality oceanographic and atmospheric data obtained from the vessel can be utilized for studying climate change, marine ecosystems, and changes in polar regions, as well as for tsunami forecasting and disaster management. Thus, marine research is directly linked to India's climate policy and disaster resilience capabilities.
Significance for UPSC—Maritime Self-Reliance and the Blue Economy
This project is significant in the context of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), the Blue Economy, the Deep Ocean Mission, and indigenous shipbuilding. The vessel, constructed by GRSE, holds dual-class certification from the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). It reflects the enhancement of India's marine scientific infrastructure and advanced shipbuilding capabilities. UPSC aspirants should study this topic in conjunction with Ocean Governance, Marine Resources, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Science & Technology.
