Matsya 6000 Trials Progress And Component Delay
MATSYA-6000 has completed its design phase and successfully finished wet and harbour trials between January and February 2025. These trials demonstrated key operational capabilities, including floatation, vehicle stability, manoeuvrability, power systems, communication tools, and control devices. In addition, the system showed effective human support and safety mechanisms during testing. Therefore, the development has reached a significant milestone in its operational readiness.
However, the planned 500-metre shallow-water dive still depends on the integration of several critical components. Among these, a custom-designed syntactic foam remains essential. This specialised foam is being designed in India while a designated firm in Europe is developing it. Unfortunately, a manufacturing defect has delayed its readiness. As a result, the delivery timeline has shifted, and the component is now expected to arrive in India by the end of May.
Integration Timeline And Planned Dive
Once the syntactic foam reaches India, engineers will proceed with integration and thorough testing. These steps will ensure that the system meets all operational and safety requirements before deployment. Consequently, the shallow-water dive will only proceed after successful validation of this component.
The ministry has scheduled the shallow-water dive for execution in the last quarter. This timeline reflects the need for precision and reliability in deep-sea operations. Moreover, the delay highlights the complexity of developing specialised materials required for such advanced missions.
Deep-Sea Mining System Development Status
Separately, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, through the National Institute of Ocean Technology in Chennai, has developed a seabed mining system. This system is designed to collect and crush polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor. Earlier trials tested its mobility and power systems at a depth of 5,270 metres in the Central Indian Ocean in 2021. Therefore, no additional deep-sea mining trials at that depth have taken place in 2025.
Furthermore, commercial deep-sea mining remains subject to international regulation. The Exploitation Code, which governs such activities, has not yet been finalised by the International Seabed Authority. As a result, commercial operations cannot proceed until the regulatory framework is established.
Blue Economy And Private Sector Participation
The ministry continues to promote private sector involvement in the sustainable development of Blue Economy resources. To support this objective, it uses multiple approaches, including structured tendering processes. These efforts aim to encourage innovation and expand participation in ocean-based economic activities.
This information was submitted in the Rajya Sabha on 19 March 2026 by Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences and Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh.
With inputs from Reuters
