Recently, the Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, visited the Indian Subcontinent’s Pioneer Ocean Research Vessel Ship (ORV) “Sagar Nidhi” and interacted with the top Scientists on the deck.
- It was built in 2007 & commissioned in 2008 for the country’s marine research programme.
- It is the third research vessel after Sagar Purvi and SagarPaschimi.
- The vessel is capable of carrying out geo-scientific, meteorological and oceanographic research.
- It is designed with blue-water capability with ranges of up to 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 km) for voyages lasting up to 45 days.
- It is the first Indian flagged research ship that reached the 66°S latitude, i.e. the Antarctic waters.
- MoES has, at present 6 ships, SagarNidhi, SagarManjusha, SagarKanya, SagarSampada, SagarTara & SagarAnveshika, which are used for many ocean studies and applications including ocean observations.
Research Vessels
A research vessel is a ship or boat designed, modified, or equipped to carry out research at sea. They carry out a number of roles. Vessels are arguably the most critical element in any ocean-going venture. Such technology demonstration vessels are required for exploration and harnessing ocean resources for the Blue Economy.
Blue-water capability
It refers to an oceangoing fleet able to operate on the high seas far from its nation’s home ports.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1767894