By KUNA
New Delhi : India will soon deploy a state-of-the-art multipurpose scientific vessel for conducting sea research.
The vessel, “Sagar Nidhi,” is presently located off the coast of Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and will be launched soon by India’s Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, Indo Asian News Service reported Friday, quoting an official in India’s Earth Sciences Ministry.
The vessel would provide logistic support to India’s Antarctic II and Arctic missions during the next five years.
The vessel has on-board housing facilities for 40 scientists and would be more than 100 meters long and 20 meters wide. It is five meters deep and can achieve a speed of anything between 10 and 20 knots, the official informed.
“The vessel will assist the Department of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences with Technology in shallow water surveys, deep sea mining and ocean technology ventures like gas hydrate extraction technology development,” the official said.
It has the ability to monitor remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, support underwater observation systems and assist the maintenance of data buoys.
“The vessel carries a dynamic positioning system, systems for launching remote controlled vehicles, hydraulic lifts, a low free board, 10-tonne cranes to repair data buoys in mid-sea, salvage and tow gear for emergency assistance, a helipad on board, ice strengthening gear, modular labs and science vans,” the official said.