IRS ON NEW RESEARCH VESSEL.

Question-1)  As the pandemic which had obstructed all the process globally, commissioning of research vessel “SAGAR ANVESHIKA” was inspiring, how its been went successful in odd time?

The vessel was delivered during February much before the Coronavirus outbreak was officially declared a pandemic by WHO

Question-2)  Last year in August 2019 “SAGAR TARA” Vessel was commissioned and this year “SAGAR ANVESHIKA”,so what are the similarities and differences between the two research vessel ?

The vessels, “SAGAR TARA” and “SAGAR ANVESHIKA” are sister vessels, i.e., both the vessels are built to the same design in the same yard. Hence there are no significant differences between the two referred vessels.

Question-3)  What type of researches will be conducted by these vessels in the oceans?

The vessels, among others, are capable of conducting the following research:

• Survey, sampling and data collection of air, surface, midwater and sea floor parameters using modern scientific instrumentation.
• Launch, towing and recovery of scientific packages, both tethered and autonomous in shallow waters;
• Handling, monitoring and testing of small remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) upto 500 meters depth.

The vessels are equipped with labs for analysing the collected data.

Question-4) As the ship technology is continuously evolving, what upgrades and surveys procedure IRCLASS need to keep in their books for the quality inspections which inclusive of all regulations and conventions?

IRClass is a member of International Association of Classification Societies and is audited by IACS for compliance to the quality standards and implementation of procedures. IRClass develops its Rules for Construction and Classification of Ships. These rules are prepared and/or updated based on the industry developments, internal research and IACS Resolutions. Prior to implementation of these Rules, IRClass surveyors are trained & qualified and checklists & survey procedures are developed. Depending on the impact, IRClass conducts awareness programs for relevant stakeholders.

Questions-5) As the shipping industry mostly involve the large amount steel to build a ship, so what is approx. quantified steel is needed to  build a tug type vessel and what type of steel grade mostly IRClass recommend to shipyards?

The quantity, type and grade of steel depends on the type of the vessel, its design and with respect to the location of the plates. In any case the steel used needs to meet the IRClass Rule requirements

Question-6) How long it would take to build a research vessels and what tests usually recommended before the ship launch?

The project comprising of both these vessels have been completed within 36 months, the first vessel was delivered in 30 months from the date of keel laying.

Question-6) How much involvement of NOT had been seen to bring up this research vessel?

As owners, NIOT had a large role in deciding the Scientific Mission Requirements (SMR), ergonomic designing and layout of the labs and sample storage facilities. NIOT’s team of scientists and officers were real time interacting with the designers and monitoring the construction, ensuring that the SMRs are not compromised. Research Vessels being complex, a complete hands-on approach by NIOT has evolved a concept into a reality by satisfactory completion of the vessels. During the whole process, IRClass had a dedicated team which was assisting in smooth integration of SMR, equipment and other scientific requirements into the vessels construction without compromising the applicable Rules and Regulations.

Question-8) Building a ship requires a lot of hot works what safety aspects usually preferred by IRClass to wielders and shipbuilders?

Prior to commencement of construction a meeting is held with all the stakeholders, where in all aspects of the ship construction are discussed in detail, including the safety training of the yard personnel and verified. The shipyard’s safety manuals are reviewed, as required. Safety audits are conducted. Patrol Inspections are also undertaken to ensure that the safety procedures are adhered, apart from quality and other requirements. Regular meetings are held with the yard personnel and owner’s representatives wherein besides many other issues safety aspects and its implementation is also discussed. All IRClass Surveyors undergo safety training related to hot work and enclosed space entry at the time of joining and periodically updated.

Question -9) It have been very often seen the ship owners involves dual classification of vessel, does it is needful?

Dual classification is an owners prerogative and hence it is at their discretion. IRClass as a class Society is fully qualified and capable of single classing vessels.

Question-10) As India contributes very less share of shipbuilding activities, so what is your views in that regards to boost the shipbuilding scenario in India?

As cargo movement across the country is ever increasing, shifting of cargo movement from road transport to River-Sea Transport will boost the shipbuilding scenario in the country. This will not only reduce the cost of transportation, but also will help in reduction of the GHG emissions. We see efforts are being made in this direction .To boost shipbuilding scenario in our country we need to ensure that all machinery and equipment required should be manufactured in the country itself and these manufacturing unit could be  located at close proximity to the yard facility thereby ensuring easy and timely availability required machinery and equipment. To ensure that we are productive and reliable in our quality we may tie up initially with reputed yards to develop and acquire skills and once skilled to deal with the construction activity in qualitative and timely manner we may start working on our own. The construction yards may also handle repair of the facilities so that at times when construction order are thin the yard/repair facility can engage in repairs as vessels require periodic underwater inspections. The aim is to at-least serve all the existing Indian vessels needing dry dock and repairs while also looking into the enhanced new tonnage requirement. I due course of time yards can engage in construction of specialised vessels which will not only improve shipbuilding design & techniques but also improve the exports.

IRClass actively contributes to the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India’s initiative – Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030, through participation in a working group which focuses on development of Indian shipbuilding, repair and recycling industry to world class level. Our Head of Operations – Mr. P K Mishra is an IRClass nominee in this working group.

Question-11) How will modernisation which is inclusive of digitalisation and automation will change the shipbuilding aspect in India?

Automation will ensure consistency in quality, while improving the time and cost effectiveness. Indian shipyards use automation from cutting of plates to employing welding and other available technologies. Leveraging these technologies, Indian yards are now moving to building more sophisticated vessels with complex designs. The adoption of these technologies will assist in reducing the cost and time of construction. The extent of utilising these depends on the shipyards and the type of vessels they intend to construct.

Question -12) what are the steps taken by the Indian Register of Shipping to become most preferable and best classification society globally?

Ships trade around the world and hence to cater to the requirements of the vessels, IRClass has improved its global presence and operates from East to West with offices located in China, United States, Middle East and Europe, apart from South Asia. Further IRClass is recognised by 45 flag states so as to be able to provide services in the respective local markets and class the vessels either existing or new constructions.