ICE-Class Research Vessel For Multi-Disciplinary Programmes in the Polar Regions

The Government has approved the proposal to acquire an Ice-breaker class research-cum-supply vessel for Polar region operations throughout the year. The vessel will have state-of-the-art scientific equipment/ instrumentation to undertake front ranking oceanographic research. The vessel will be able to support a total of 120 days at sea, and capable of cruising at a speed of 14 - 15 knots. The vessel is planned to have accommodation facilities for 60 scientists and crew. The vessel will also have a flight deck for helicopter, adequate deck and laboratory space with the requisite instrumentation facilities and sampling equipment.

An estimated expenditure of Rs. 490 crore is likely to be incurred to acquire the vessel.

Acquisition of a new ice-breaker class research-cum-supply vessel equipped with the state-of-the-art scientific equipments/instrumentation will enable India to launch annual expeditions to Antarctica on its own and enhance its capabilities to undertake front ranking oceanographic research. No vessel of this class is so far available in the country. Acquisition of the vessel will make our country self-reliant and reduce the uncertainties involved in the process of chartering. Moreover, the chartered vessels are normally cargo ships and do not have lab facilities. This vessel will be able to undertake expeditions to Antarctic, Southern Ocean and other identified multi-disciplinary programmes in the Polar Regions.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in a written reply to a question by Shri Pradeep Majhi in Lok Sabha today.

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KP