India's advanced Ocean Research Vessel 'ORV Sagar Manthan' launched at GRSE's Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata
On 9 September 2026, the Ocean Research Vessel 'Sagar Manthan', built by GRSE for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research under the Deep Ocean Mission, was launched in Kolkata.
Summary
The Ocean Research Vessel 'Sagar Manthan' (Yard 3041) was launched at the Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata, on 9 September 2026, with Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh joining virtually. Designed and built by defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, it is described as India's first advanced Ocean Research Vessel built by GRSE. The vessel was built under Vertical-4 (Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration) of the Deep Ocean Mission at a cost of about ₹840 crore. It is an all-weather, multidisciplinary platform designed to work in extreme environments including the Southern Ocean, with a service life of 30 years. The launch came within two years of contract signing and about five months after keel laying.
Key facts
- Vessel
- ORV Sagar Manthan (Yard 3041)
- Launched
- 9 Sep 2026, Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata
- Builder
- GRSE, for NCPOR (MoES)
- Programme
- Deep Ocean Mission — Vertical-4, Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration
- Cost
- ~₹840 crore
- Capability
- All-weather; can operate in Southern Ocean; 30-year life
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which shipbuilder designed and built the Ocean Research Vessel 'Sagar Manthan', launched on 9 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
GRSE built ORV Sagar Manthan for NCPOR; it was launched at the Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata.
ORV Sagar Manthan was built for which institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences?
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Correct answer: C — National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
The vessel was built for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
Consider the following about ORV Sagar Manthan: 1. It was built under the Deep Ocean Mission at a cost of about ₹840 crore. 2. It has a projected service life of 30 years and can operate in the Southern Ocean. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. It was built under Vertical-4 of the Deep Ocean Mission for about ₹840 crore and is designed for extreme environments including the Southern Ocean, with a 30-year life.