ABG Shipyard Ltd, India�s largest private sector shipbuilding company, has delivered the country�s first indigenously built oceanographic research vessel, RV Sindhu Sadhana, to CSIR - National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).

At a grand ceremony held in Goa, the vessel was inducted into the service of the NIO in the presence of Prof. Samir Brahmachari, Director-General of CSIR and Dr Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.

The vessel is designed for worldwide sub-sea operations and is one of the most sophisticated and advanced research vessels in the world today. It is expected to provide the NIO with new dimensions in the field of oceanographic research.

Measuring 80 m in length and having a GRT of 4,154 t, RV Sindhu Sadhana�s detailed design was done in-house. The vessel has a crew of 28 and can accommodate a team of 29 scientists in modern modular accommodation. The ship has the capability to operate in extreme environmental conditions and undertake complex research activities at water depths of up to 6,000 m.

ABG is also building a Diving Support Vessel for Halul Offshore (Qatar), three Cadet Training Ships for Indian Navy and Pollution Control Vessel for the Coast Guard.

Commented Mr Rishi Agarwal, Chairman of ABG Shipyard, "With the induction of RV Sindhu Sadhana, NIO will enhance its sub-sea research in oceans around the world, bringing in rich experience for Indian oceanographers, and enable the development of multi-disciplinary research in the country. With highly skilled workforce and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, ABG Shipyard has competitive edge over other shipyards in India and is in the process of delivering more such specialised vessels".