INS Sanshodhak, the fourth Survey Vessel Large (SVL) of the Indian Navy, arrived at Kochi on Sunday (July 5).

INS Sanshodhak has become the second Survey Vessel Large, after INS Ikshak, to come under the administrative and operational control of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. The indigenously designed and built ship was commissioned into the Navy on June 21 at Kolkata, along with two other naval vessels, a Navy release said.

On arrival at Kochi, the ship was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a traditional water cannon salute and the Naval Band in attendance. Families of the ship’s crew were also present to mark the occasion.

Equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic survey systems, along with an embarked helicopter capability, INS Sanshodhak offers exceptional operational flexibility. In addition to its primary role as a survey vessel, it can be deployed for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations or configured as a hospital ship when required.

Its induction substantially enhances the Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey capability while reinforcing India’s indigenous shipbuilding programme and the country’s strategic reach across the Indian Ocean Region, the release said.