INS Sagardhwani

INS Sagardhwani at the International Fleet Review, 2001. Note the two cranes, painted in bright orange. Image © Mrityunjoy MazumdarINS Sagardhwani at sea. Note the large helictoper platform, front of the bridge. Image © Indian NavyAnother shot of INS Sagardhwani. Image © Mrityunjoy Mazumdar 

Vessel Type: Research Ship.

Name & Pennant Number with commission date:
INS Sagardhwani A74 (30 July 1994)

Displacement: 2050 tons full load.

Main Machinery: Two diesel engines with 3860 hp sustained. Also has two shafts and two auxiliary thrusters.

Maximum Speed: 16 knots.

Maximum Range: 6000 at 16 knots.

Complement: 80 sailors (10 officers) plus 16 scientists.

Radar: Navigation; One Racal Decca 1629 radar at I-band frequency.

Helicopters: One HAL Chetak.

Comments: INS Sagardhwani is a Marine Acoustic Research Ship (MARS) launched in May 1991. The hull and machinery are very similar to the Sandhayak Class survey vessels, but there are marked superstructure differences with the bridge positioned amidships and a helicopter platform forward. The vessel has been configured as a research vessel for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi. The vessel is also based there. Aft there are two large cranes and a gantry for deploying and recovering research equipment.

There are a total of eight labs to permit conducting acoustic, geological, meteorological, chemical and physical oceanography. Most of the laboratories are acoustically isolated from the ship's structure. Among the first vessels in the Indian Navy with accommodations for female personnel. Carries 116 tons fresh water. The vessel is painted white except for the lift equipment and two rescue boats which are painted in orange. The vessel was employed in advanced torpedo trials and missile range support.