Sagar Kanya Research Vessel Jun 2026

Designed for water sampling, plankton analysis, and nutrient profiling.

Dedicated spaces for chemical analysis, biological sampling, and geological testing.

Scientific role and contributions:

What makes the Sagar Kanya special isn't just her hull, but what lies inside. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments capable of analyzing everything from the air above the waves to the mud thousands of meters below them.

Extracts long core samples from the seabed to study Earth's history. Sagar Kanya Research Vessel

Built in Germany by the Neue Schlichting Werft , Sagar Kanya was engineered as a highly stable, all-weather multi-disciplinary research platform. Its diesel-electric propulsion and stabilization systems ensure smooth operation even during tumultuous monsoon seasons. Specification Details 100.34 meters Beam (Breadth) 16.39 meters Max Draft 5.6 to 5.8 meters Gross Tonnage 4,209 to 4,888 GRT Propulsion Type Fully automatic Diesel-Electric Cruising Speed 8 to 10 knots (Maximum ~14.25 knots) Endurance & Range 45 days / 10,000 nautical miles Total Capacity 91 persons (approx. 60 crew and 31 scientists)

Life aboard the Sagar Kanya is a blend of rigorous scientific discipline and community living. A typical cruise includes a large team comprising ship's officers, deck and engine crew, catering staff, a doctor, and a team of scientists and technicians. For over four decades, the vessel has been managed and operated by the , which oversees its maintenance, refits, and the highly competitive allocation of "ship time" to research institutions across India. The Sagar Kanya is managed as a national facility , extending its resources to various research institutes and organizations such as ISRO, PRL, and NGRI. The vessel provides comprehensive amenities for its 91-person complement, including separate mess rooms and recreational spaces for officers, scientists, and crew, three pantries, two galleys, and a library. Its long-range logistics of up to 45 days necessitate careful planning for water provisioning, with a daily fresh-water generator capacity of 30 cubic meters. The ship complies with the highest class requirements of both Lloyd's Register of Shipping and the Indian Register of Shipping, ensuring safety and operational excellence. Designed for water sampling, plankton analysis, and nutrient

Four decades at sea in harsh saltwater environments require rigorous maintenance. Sagar Kanya has undergone several mid-life refits to upgrade its hull, navigation systems, and laboratory instrumentation.

Throughout its long service, the Sagar Kanya has contributed to several critical scientific milestones: ensuring safety and operational excellence.