Article Posted on : - Sep 23, 2012

NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Makar, the first-of-its kind Catamaran hydrographic survey vessel, which will help in enhancing ocean survey capabilities of the maritime force.

Built indigenously by private shipyard Alcock Ashdown Gujarat Ltd, the primary role of INS Makar is to undertake hydrographic surveys required for improving navigational safety at sea.

The vessel can also undertake limited oceanographic surveys for providing marine environmental data.

"Western Navy Commander Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha commissioned INS Makar (in Mumbai), which is the first of its kind vessel to be inducted in the force," the Navy said in a release.

INS Makar is another statement of the potential of the indigenous warship building industry, the release said.

The ship, propelled by four engines, has two survey motor boats.

"The entire propulsion, navigational and power management packages of the vessel are integrated in a single state-of-art system called Integrated Platform Management System," it said.

With a crew capacity of six officers and 44 sailors, the vessel has advanced ergonomic design to ensure crew comfort and space management.