INSV Kaundinya Nears Oman, Enters Busy Shipping Lanes on Heritage Voyage

Overview

• The crew reports roughly three-fourths of the Porbandar–Muscat passage complete and is preparing to enter Omani waters and crowded sea lanes.
• Updates note the next stretch brings frequent encounters with oil tankers and large container ships after mostly open-water sailing so far.
• INSV Kaundinya has no engine or metal fastenings and draws on a 5th‑century design, relying entirely on wind and sails.
• Commander Vikas Sheoran leads a 16‑member Indian Navy crew, with regular progress reports shared by Sanjeev Sanyal and Commander Y Hemant Kumar.
• The voyage stems from a 2023 Ministry of Culture–Indian Navy–Hodi Innovations partnership, with the stitched hull built by Kerala artisans and launched in Goa in February 2025; arrival in Muscat is expected around January 15.