Kochi, Jan 27 (IANS) INS Sudarshini a three-masted barque, the second sail training ship of the Indian Navy, was commissioned by Vice Admiral K.N. Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, here Friday.

INS Sudarshini is a follow-on class of INS Tarangini which was inducted in the Southern Naval Command in 1997.

The ship, commanded by Commander P.K. Boyiri Varma, has been built by Goa Shipyard Limited and is designed by the British naval architect Colin Mudie. The ship was launched by Letha Sushil, wife of Vice Admiral Sushil, on January 25, 2011.

INS Sudarshini has an overall length of 54 metres, has 20 sails, 7.5 kms of rope and 1.5 kms of steel wire rope.

She can sail for up to 20 days with its complement of five officers, 31 sailors with 30 cadets embarked for training.

Sail training ships are crucibles for future naval officers for training in seamanship, navigation, ship handling and braving the elements.

The inclusion of a second sail training ship will ensure the availability of either of the ships for training of cadets on a continuous basis.

INS Sudarshini is expected to undertake a historic ASEAN voyage in September to cement India’s historic ties with the countries of ASEAN region. The vessel will touch 18 ports in eight countries and will return in April 2013.

Due to the demise of Kerala governor M.O.H. Farooq, the commissioning was devoid of the celebrations associated with such an occassion.