National 09 September 2026
Advanced Ocean Research Vessel 'Sagar Manthan' Launched in Kolkata
Why in the News?
Union Minister for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh virtually launched India’s advanced Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) 'Sagar Manthan' at Rishi Bankim Shipyard in Kolkata.
Key Features / Major Points:
Manufacturer & Agency: Designed and constructed by Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
Deep Ocean Mission: Built under Vertical-4 (Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration) of the flagship Deep Ocean Mission at an estimated cost of Rs 840 crore.
Replacing Sagar Kanya: It will gradually replace the 43-year-old ORV 'Sagar Kanya', which was procured from Germany in 1983.
Capabilities: Designed for a 30-year operational life to handle challenging oceanic environments, including the Southern Ocean. Equipped for multi-metal hydrothermal sulphide surveys, ROV/AUV deployments, and deep-sea exploration.
Delivery Timeline: Scheduled for final commissioning and delivery to NCPOR by 2028.
Static GK Facts:
NCPOR (National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research): Established: 1998 | Headquarters: Vasco da Gama, Goa | Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers): Established: 1884 | Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal | Status: Miniratna Category-I Defence PSU.
Deep Ocean Mission: A high-priority initiative approved by India in 2021 to explore deep-ocean resources and advance maritime technologies.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: What is the name of India's newly launched advanced Ocean Research Vessel (ORV)?
A: Sagar Manthan
Q: Which Defence PSU engineered and constructed the 'Sagar Manthan' vessel?
A: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)
Q: Where is the headquarters of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) located?
A: Goa (Vasco da Gama)