INS 'Ikshak' to enter Indian Ocean, survey vessel commissioned into Indian Navy
KOCHI: The large survey ship 'Ikshak', designed and built by India, will soon enter the waters of the dangerous Indian Ocean. The ship, equipped with state-of-the-art technological systems that help in surveillance and survey operations, can be converted into a hospital in an emergency. Ikshak means guide in Sanskrit.
The ship, which is powered by twin diesel engines, was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. Captain Tribhuvan Singh is the commanding officer.
The ship was commissioned by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, at the Southern Naval Base. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Survey Controller R. Swaminathan, Chairman of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, Commodore P.R. Hari, Chairman of Cochin Shipyard, Madhu S. Nair, and others were present. Ikshak will operate under the Southern Naval Base in Kochi.
INS IKSHAK:
- 3rd largest among survey ships
- 80% indigenous materials
- Multibeam echo sounder for survey
- Remote equipment for bottom survey
- Four survey boats
- HD camera for bottom inspection
- Sensors to study at a depth of 11,000 meters
- Helicopter landing facility on deck
- Special accommodation for women
- Length 110 meters
- Width 16 meters
- Weight 3,400 tons
- Speed 16-18 nautical miles
In addition to surveys in the Indian Ocean, the Ikshak will also provide services to friendly countries.
- Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Navy