The Indian government has approved plans for the construction of an ice-class polar research vessel, with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) based in Vasco leading the initiative. The vessel”s estimated cost ranges from Rs 2,400 crore to Rs 2,700 crore, and it is anticipated to be built domestically, possibly through a partnership with an international shipbuilder.
Following the in-principle approval granted in August, NCPOR has commenced work on the detailed project report (DPR) for the vessel. According to Thamban Meloth, director of NCPOR, the approval allows the design phase to begin, although the sanctioned budget is still subject to final review.
The cost assessment for the vessel was conducted by the Indian Maritime University and later verified by a cost committee in 2024. An earlier attempt to procure the vessel was halted due to the selected shipbuilder requesting unacceptable changes to the contractual terms.
Since India”s inaugural scientific expedition to Antarctica in 1981, the country has relied on chartered vessels for transporting personnel and cargo to and from the continent. However, these vessels, classified as ice-class cargo ships, are not designed for comprehensive oceanographic research.
The planned research vessel will facilitate Antarctic expeditions lasting between 130 to 150 days, during which it will typically remain anchored in the Southern Ocean near Indian research stations. Meloth noted that the construction process is expected to take approximately five years, aiming for the vessel to be operational by 2030-31.
He stated, “The polar vessel is expected to be ready maybe two years before our new research station is ready for commissioning. We are asking for five years to build the vessel because we need a detailed design.”
The ice-class vessel will be engineered for autonomous navigation at a continuous speed of 1.5 knots, capable of breaking through ice that is about 1.2 meters thick with a snow cover. It will be equipped with a double-skinned hull and bow thrusters to ensure precise positioning, allowing it to operate in the challenging conditions of the Southern Ocean.
Additionally, the research vessel will feature temperature-controlled accommodations for scientists and support staff, onboard laboratories, a helideck for heavy-lift helicopters, and deck-based cranes.
