ORV Sagar Nidhi is an ice-strengthened multidisciplinary vessel operated by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, India. It was constructed at Fincantieri, Italy. The 104-metre-long vessel[1] has fully automatic diesel-electric propulsion equipped with dynamic positioning system, azimuth thrusters, and a winch to hoist 60 tonnes from a depth of 6,000 metres.[2]
The vessel is capable of carrying out geo-scientific, meteorological and oceanographic research, and is designed with blue-water capability with ranges of up to 10000nmi for voyages lasting up to 45 days.[3] She is expected to support research in the Indian and Antarctic Oceans.[4]
Sagar Nidhi will be utilized for deep sea mining, launching of ROV's, AUV's, crewed and uncrewed submersibles, and exploration of gas hydrates.