Indian Navy has started seeking four survey vessels capable of exploring the depths of the maritime economic zone and the extended continental shelf of the country, reports Bernama.
According to the Navy official the first vessel should be commissioned into service by 2017-18.
The primary task of the vessels will be to carry out hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, also they should be able to perform the role of a hospital ship and limited defence role during emergencies.
Navy requires a ship for deep water surveys which would be able to cruise at a very low speed from zero to six knots for prolonged hours.
An official has stated that the vessels should have the capacity to house a crew of over 200 officials, including the sailors and officers.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , June 18, 2012