Archive · 15 Jan 2026
INSV Kaundinya Completes Historic Voyage to Muscat
A special wooden ship called INSV Kaundinya just finished a big trip to Muscat, Oman.
It took 17-18 days to get there.
The ship was made by hand using old methods and natural materials.
It has cool designs on its sails and deck that remind us of ancient India's sea adventures.
A group of 16 people, led by a skipper named Vikas Sheoran, sailed the ship.
Everyone is happy and proud of their achievement.
The ship was inspired by a painting from a long time ago and was built in Goa.
It's a big deal because it shows how skilled Indian shipbuilders are and keeps the old traditions alive.
The voyage also celebrated the long friendship between India and Oman.
INSV Kaundinya completed a 17-18 day voyage to Muscat, Oman, showcasing traditional Indian shipbuilding techniques.
The ship was built using traditional stitching methods with coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin, inspired by a 5th-century CE ship depicted in the Ajanta Caves paintings.
The 16-member crew, led by Commander Vikas Sheoran, successfully reached Muscat and was accorded a rousing welcome by dignitaries from India and Oman.
The voyage retraced ancient maritime routes that once connected the western coast of India with Oman, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and sustained civilisational interactions.
The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture.
- Who
- The 16-member crew of INSV Kaundinya, led by Commander Vikas Sheoran
- What
- Completed a 17-18 day maiden voyage to Muscat, Oman
- When
- After 17-18 days at sea, completed on Wednesday
- Where
- From Porbandar, Gujarat to Muscat, Oman
- Why
- To showcase India's maritime traditions and the success of the indigenously built ship, and to strengthen centuries-old ties with Oman
Traditional Shipbuilding Revival
Modern Shipbuilding Techniques
Construction Methods
Traditional Shipbuilding Revival
The ship was built using traditional stitching methods with coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin, reviving an ancient shipbuilding tradition.
Modern Shipbuilding Techniques
Modern shipbuilding techniques involve advanced materials and technologies, such as steel and advanced composites, which are more durable and easier to maintain.
- Ship Name
- INSV Kaundinya
- Voyage Duration
- 17-18 days
- Destination
- Muscat, Oman
- Skipper
- Commander Vikas Sheoran
- Crew Size
- 16 members (4 officers and 13 naval sailors)
- Construction Method
- Traditional stitching using coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin
- Launch Date
- December 29, 2024
- Inspiration
- 5th-century CE ship depicted in Ajanta Caves paintings
- Ship Length
- 65 feet
- Voyage Distance
- 650 nautical miles
Sources
'Land Ahoy!': Handstitched Wooden Ship INSV Kaundinya Reaches Muscat After 18-Day Voyage
‘We did it!!!’: Crew of stitched sailing vessel INSV ‘Kaundinya’ as they sight Muscat after 18 day voyage
INSV Kaundinya reaches Muscat, reviving 5,000-year-old India-Oman Maritime Relationship
India: After Army, Navy uses Europe’s OneWeb satellites to support missions
INSV Kaundinya Reaches Oman After 17-Day Maiden Voyage
