India Sinks Retired Warship To Build First-Of-Its-Kind Underwater Naval Museum
Our take
The recent decommissioning and sinking of the INS Guldar, a Kumbhir-class landing ship, to create an underwater naval museum marks a significant development in India's maritime heritage and environmental stewardship. As the ship settles into its new role beneath the waves, it serves not only as a testament to the Indian Navy's storied history but also as a pioneering example of how decommissioned vessels can contribute to marine ecosystems and tourism. This initiative aligns with global trends in transformative ocean management, echoing themes explored in articles such as The price of a warming sea: climate change, nonindigenous species, and their impact on Israel’s fishing economy and High-accuracy fish species identification using transfer learning on vision foundation models.
The sinking of the INS Guldar serves as a robust embodiment of the intersection between naval heritage and ecological innovation. By deliberately creating an underwater museum, India is not merely preserving a piece of military history but also fostering a new habitat for marine life. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of integrating cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. Such endeavors can enhance biodiversity by creating artificial reefs, providing shelter for marine species, and supporting recreational diving tourism, which has been shown to contribute to local economies.
Moreover, this development comes at a crucial time when global discussions on ocean stewardship are intensifying. As climate change continues to impact marine ecosystems, the need for innovative solutions to mitigate these effects becomes increasingly urgent. Initiatives like the INS Guldar's transformation can inspire similar projects worldwide, demonstrating how nations can repurpose their historical assets while contributing to ecological resilience. This aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable practices, as highlighted in ongoing discussions about marine biodiversity and the implications of climate change on fishing economies, such as those seen in The price of a warming sea.
The establishment of an underwater museum also opens up avenues for education and public engagement. By creating an accessible site for exploration and learning, the initiative invites visitors to connect with maritime history and marine conservation in meaningful ways. This can drive awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans, fostering a sense of responsibility among the public. Educational opportunities like these can align with citizen science initiatives that engage the community in monitoring and preserving marine biodiversity, reflecting a collaborative approach to ocean stewardship.
Looking ahead, the success of the INS Guldar project raises pertinent questions about the future of naval heritage preservation and marine ecosystem management. Will this initiative pave the way for other nations to follow suit, and how can we ensure that such projects are developed with scientific rigor and environmental sensitivity? As we watch the impacts of this innovative endeavor unfold, it is essential to consider how similar projects can be scaled and integrated into broader strategies for ocean conservation. The journey of the INS Guldar may well serve as a model for the future of maritime heritage, ecological restoration, and community engagement, reminding us that protecting our oceans is a shared responsibility that transcends borders.
India has successfully submerged its decommissioned naval ship INS Guldar off the coast of Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, marking the creation of the country’s first underwater warship museum, artificial coral reef and submarine tourism project.
The ship now rests about 20 to 22 metres below sea level near the Nivati Rock formations.
Once operational, the site will allow tourists to explore a real former Indian Navy warship underwater through scuba diving, guided tours and submarine rides.
Officials say this is the first project of its kind in India and Asia combining naval heritage with marine tourism.
INS Guldar, a Kumbhir-class landing ship, served the Indian Navy for nearly four decades. It was formally decommissioned on January 12, 2024.
In February 2025, the Indian Navy transferred the vessel free of cost to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) for conversion into an underwater attraction.
Before being sunk, the ship was fully cleaned and all hazardous materials were removed to make it safe for underwater use and to support marine life growth.
According to officials, the submersion was completed near Vijaydurg on May 19. Expert teams worked for nearly 36 hours to carefully place the vessel on the seabed at the designated location.
The project is being developed by MTDC under the Maharashtra government, with guidance from state leadership including Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, and support from Sindhudurg Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane and Tourism Minister of State Indranil Naik.
Once the site becomes operational, tourists will be able to take part in scuba diving expeditions led by certified PADI divers.
They will also be able to see marine life developing around the wreck, including fish, coral growth, and underwater vegetation. The ship is expected to slowly turn into an artificial reef.
For people who cannot dive, MTDC is also developing a submarine tourism facility. This will allow visitors to view the underwater warship and surrounding marine ecosystem safely without entering the sea.
MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gathane said the project will give tourists a chance to explore a retired warship underwater while also helping preserve maritime history and support marine conservation.
Officials said the project will boost scuba diving tourism, create jobs for local coastal communities, and strengthen adventure tourism in the Konkan region.
It is also expected to promote sustainable use of marine resources through artificial reef development.
The full project is expected to be operational within around one and a half years.
At present, the ship has already been placed on the seabed, and further development work is underway to build tourism infrastructure and ensure safe visitor access once operations begin.
References: Hindustan Times, Deccan Herald
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