The four ships, when completed, will replace the Indian Navy"s Sandhayak-class survey ships. The 110m-long and 16m-wide SVL are outfitted with cutting-edge hydrographic equipment that will aid in collecting oceanographic/geophysical data for defence and civil applications.
It can transport up to four survey motorboats and an integrated helicopter. The ship will primarily conduct full-scale hydrographic surveys of coastal and deep-water navigational channels and ports. Other responsibilities include acting as a hospital ship in an emergency and providing limited defence.
