NSTL Seeks - Consultancy service for preparation of documents and drawings for Development of Next Generation Vessel

Introduction to NSTL's Next-Generation Vessel Project

The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a key laboratory under India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is spearheading the development of a next-generation vessel (NGV) tailored for the Indian Navy. This project aims to bolster naval research and testing capabilities, aligning with India's goal of self-reliance in defense technology. The NGV is expected to play a crucial role in evaluating advanced naval systems, supporting the nation's maritime security objectives.

Vessel Specifications and Design

The NGV is designed with specific parameters to ensure optimal performance for research and testing. It will measure approximately 98 meters in length, with a breadth of 16 meters and a depth of 9 meters. The vessel will feature diesel electric propulsion, achieving a maximum speed of 15 knots and an economical speed of 12 knots, with a range of 4000 nautical miles at 12 knots and an endurance of about 5 days with a 25% fuel reserve. The construction will use superior shipbuilding grade steel or equivalent, ensuring durability and compliance with naval standards.

The vessel is designed to accommodate a significant crew, including 36 officers, 60 sailors, and an additional 16 personnel, totaling 112, suggesting it may also support training or scientific missions. Its large useful deck area of 1000 square meters indicates space for extensive testing equipment, likely for evaluating underwater weapons and systems.

Development Process

NSTL has initiated a consultancy service to prepare essential techno-commercial documents for the NGV's development. This includes creating a tender design document, a contract document for shipbuilding, and detailed cost and time estimation reports. The tender design will cover hull structure, engineering systems, electrical installations, navigation and communication setups, deck equipment, and scientific instruments as per NSTL's requirements. The process ensures adherence to international maritime regulations, such as those from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and Marine Pollution (MARPOL), and classification society rules, emphasizing quality and safety.

Strategic Importance and Technological Features

The NGV is expected to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, leveraging NSTL's expertise in hydrodynamics, stealth technology, and marine vehicle design. It may feature an optimized hull for improved seakeeping and reduced detectability, with advanced power generation, navigation, and communication systems. The vessel will likely support testing of underwater weapons, torpedoes, and other naval systems, enhancing data collection and real-time analysis capabilities. This aligns with India's push for indigenous defense solutions, reducing reliance on foreign technology and strengthening maritime security.

An unexpected detail is the vessel's potential role in training and scientific expeditions, given its large crew capacity, which could extend its utility beyond testing to educational and operational support.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of NSTL's Next-Generation Vessel for the Indian Navy

Introduction and Context

The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), established on August 20, 1969, and located in Visakhapatnam, is a premier laboratory under DRDO, focused on research and development of naval weapons and systems, including underwater mines, torpedoes, fire control systems, and decoys (Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL)). Its expertise extends to hydrodynamics and stealth technology for naval platforms, making it a critical player in India's defense innovation landscape. The current project for a next-generation vessel (NGV) reflects NSTL's expanding role in designing marine vehicles, aligning with the Indian Navy's modernization efforts, which aim for a 200-ship fleet by 2050.

Vessel Specifications and Design Details

The NGV, as outlined in project documents, is designed with precise specifications to meet naval auxiliary standards and will be commissioned as an Indian Naval ship. Key dimensions include:

• Length: 98 ± 2 meters

• Breadth: 16 meters

• Depth: 9 meters

• Draft: Minimum to ensure stability and good seakeeping behavior

• Displacement: As low as possible while maintaining stability

• Useful Deck Area: 1000 square meters

• Manning: 36 officers, 60 sailors, and additional capacity for 16 personnel (including 4 officers)

The propulsion system will utilize Diesel Electric engines with suitable drives, achieving a maximum speed of 15 knots and an economical speed of 12 knots. The vessel's range is set at 4000 nautical miles at 12 knots, with an endurance of approximately 5 days without underway replenishment, maintaining a 25% fuel reserve. Construction will use superior shipbuilding grade steel or equivalent, ensuring compliance with naval standards.

This design suggests a vessel optimized for research and testing, potentially serving as a platform for evaluating underwater weapons and systems. The larger size and crew capacity of the NGV indicate expanded capabilities, possibly including training and scientific expeditions.

Development Process and Procurement

The development process involves hiring a consultancy to prepare techno-commercial documents, as detailed in the bid documents. The scope includes:

• Tender Design Document: Covering general features, hull structure, engineering, electrical systems, navigation and communication systems, layout, deck equipment, and scientific equipment as per NSTL requirements. It will include comprehensive drawings for class approvals and naval architecture, adhering to IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, and Indian Naval Engineering standards.

• Contract Document: Outlining the shipbuilding contract, including scope, payment terms, warranties, quality standards, delivery schedules, performance guarantees, and arbitration clauses.

• Cost and Time Estimation Reports: Providing detailed financial and timeline projections for design, construction, and commissioning.

The consultancy must deliver both hard and soft copies of these reports, with further design requirements to be shared post-NDA signing after a pre-bid meeting. The process emphasizes "Make in India" compliance, aiming for at least 60% indigenous content, reflecting national defense self-reliance goals.

Technological Advancements and Features

While specific technological details are not fully disclosed, the NGV is expected to leverage NSTL's expertise in hydrodynamics, stealth technology, and marine vehicle design. The vessel may feature an optimized hull for enhanced seakeeping and stability, given the requirement for minimum draft and good seakeeping behavior. Advanced power generation and distribution systems, similar to those in INS Astradharini, which include modern navigation and communication setups, are likely. The inclusion of scientific equipment suggests facilities for testing underwater weapons, torpedoes, and other systems, with potential for data acquisition and real-time analysis.

The vessel's design will comply with international maritime regulations, ensuring operational safety and environmental stewardship. Given NSTL's focus on stealth technologies for naval platforms, the NGV might incorporate reduced radar, infrared, acoustic, and magnetic signatures, enhancing its utility in sensitive testing environments.

Strategic Importance and Operational Role

The NGV's strategic importance lies in enhancing the Indian Navy's research and development capabilities, particularly in testing and validating indigenous naval systems. It will support trials for underwater mines, torpedoes, fire control systems, and decoys, reducing reliance on foreign technologies and accelerating deployment. This aligns with the Indian Navy's broader modernization, which includes acquiring next-generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPVs) and missile vessels, with contracts signed in 2023 for delivery from September 2026 (Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), India).

The vessel's large crew capacity (112 personnel) suggests additional roles, such as training naval personnel or supporting scientific expeditions, potentially extending its utility beyond testing. This could enhance operational readiness and maritime security, contributing to India's strategic autonomy in defense.

Comparative Analysis and Unexpected Details

Compared to INS Astradharini, the NGV is significantly larger (98 meters vs. 50 meters), with a much larger crew, indicating a broader scope. An unexpected detail is the vessel's potential dual role in research and training, given the extensive manning, which could support educational programs or operational support missions. This versatility might position the NGV as a multi-functional asset, enhancing its value to the Indian Navy.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The NGV project, currently in the early stages with consultancy services being procured, is expected to culminate in a vessel operational by the late 2020s or early 2030s, based on typical shipbuilding timelines. It represents a significant step towards achieving 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in defense, reinforcing India's maritime technological prowess and ensuring the Indian Navy's readiness for future challenges.