Commissioning of INS Sagardhwani (A 74)

This cover is latest addition to my collection. Special cover issued in July 30, 1994, on the event of Commissionong of INS Sagardhwani - Marine Acoustic Research Ship (MARS) of Indian Navy, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata.

The hull and machinery are very similar to the Sandhayak Class survey vessels, but there are marked superstructure differences with the bridge positioned amidships and a helicopter platform forward. The vessel has been configured as a research vessel for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi. The vessel is also based there. There are two large cranes and a gantry for deploying and recovering research equipment.

There are a total of eight labs to permit conducting acoustic, geological, meteorological, chemical and physical oceanography. Most of the laboratories are acoustically isolated from the ship's structure. Among the first vessels in the Indian Navy with accommodations for female personnel. Carries 116 tons fresh water. The vessel is painted white except for the lift equipment and two rescue boats which are painted in orange. The vessel was employed in advanced torpedo trials and missile range support.

Source: Bharat-Rakshak.com