India has launched ORV Sagar Manthan in Kolkata, strengthening deep ocean exploration, indigenous shipbuilding, oceanographic research and advanced maritime technology under the Deep Ocean Mission.

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• The Government launched ORV Sagar Manthan at Rishi Bankim Shipyard in Kolkata, marking a major step towards self-reliance in oceanographic research.
• The vessel was developed under Vertical-4 of the Deep Ocean Mission, dedicated to deep ocean surveys and exploration of marine resources.
• Constructed at approximately Rs 840 crore, the all-weather vessel is designed as a multidisciplinary platform for advanced oceanographic scientific research.
• ORV Sagar Manthan can operate in extreme oceanic environments, including the Southern Ocean, with an expected operational lifespan of 30 years.
• Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers designed and constructed the vessel, highlighting India’s expanding indigenous capabilities in specialised shipbuilding and maritime technology.
• The new research vessel will gradually replace the 43-year-old ORV Sagar Kanya, which India procured from Germany in 1983.
• ORV Sagar Manthan will support multidisciplinary exploration, scientific surveys and research, helping India develop deeper understanding of largely unexplored ocean environments.
• Its deployment strengthens the Deep Ocean Mission’s objectives of expanding marine scientific capabilities, technological innovation and strategic self-reliance.
• The vessel provides India with an advanced platform capable of supporting diverse oceanographic missions across challenging marine conditions throughout its operational life.
• The new platform is expected to strengthen collaboration among scientists, researchers and maritime institutions working on India’s expanding ocean exploration programmes.
• Its commissioning reflects India’s broader effort to develop domestic expertise and infrastructure for deep sea exploration and ocean-based scientific research.
• ORV Sagar Manthan marks an important upgrade in India’s ocean research infrastructure, supporting long-term ambitions in marine science and maritime technology.