KRI Canopus-936 Begins Maiden Voyage, Sets Sail from Germany to Indonesia
JAKARTA – The Indonesian Navy’s newest Hydro-Oceanographic Support Vessel, KRI Canopus-936, has commenced its maiden voyage from Germany to Indonesia on Saturday, 14 March 2026. This voyage marks an important milestone in the ship’s delivery process following the completion of construction and testing at the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard in Lemwerder, Germany.
The maiden voyage represents a crucial step in the vessel’s journey before it officially joins the survey fleet of the Navy’s Hydro-Oceanography Centre (Pushidrosal). “This maiden voyage is an initial step for KRI Canopus-936 before it begins carrying out various survey and maritime research missions in support of national maritime interests,” said Rear Admiral Budi Purwanto, Commander of Pushidrosal, in a press statement on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
The arrival of KRI Canopus-936 is expected to significantly enhance Indonesia’s hydro-oceanographic survey capacity. The vessel has been designed to support various maritime data collection activities, seafloor mapping, and hydro-oceanographic research, which are essential components in providing accurate maritime information. “This ship will strengthen Pushidrosal’s ability to fulfil its role as the national hydro-oceanographic institution,” Purwanto noted.
The modern survey vessel will support the provision of nautical data and charts for safe navigation, Navy operations, and the management of Indonesian waters. Furthermore, KRI Canopus-936 represents part of the Navy’s broader modernisation programme for survey and maritime mapping equipment.
The acquisition of KRI Canopus-936 was undertaken by the Indonesian Defence Ministry to meet hydro-oceanographic survey requirements, seafloor mapping needs, and maritime data collection and management. According to Indonesian Ambassador Abdul Kadir Jailani, such capabilities are essential to support Indonesia’s defence, security, and maritime sovereignty interests.
“Indonesia requires ocean survey vessels with ocean-crossing range capable of operating independently, sustainably, and with high precision. Therefore, KRI Canopus-936 has been designed not only as a scientific survey ship, but also as a platform supporting non-combat military operations and maritime surveillance,” said Jailani in a written statement.