Garden Reach, Norway's Kongsberg To Build India's First Polar Research Vessel

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. and Norway's Kongsberg signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to build India's first-ever polar research vessel.

The construction of the vessel will take place indigenously in India. The project will also take into account the requirement of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, which will use it for research activities in the polar and southern ocean, according to a PIB release.

The MoU marks an important milestone for India's shipbuilding sector as it will receive design expertise for developing the PRV. GRSE is set to build this PRV in its yard in Kolkata, ensuring a boost to the Union government's 'Make In India' initiative.

Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal was also present during the signing between GRSE and Kongsberg. The leadership of Kongsberg as well as GRSE joined the minister, senior government officials from Norway and India at the event.

"Together, we are building not just a vessel but a legacy — a legacy of innovation, exploration, and international cooperation that will inspire generations to come," Sonowal said. "The vessel will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling our researchers to explore the oceans' depths, study marine ecosystems, and unlock new insights into our planet’s past, present, and future."

Sonowal had also represented India in a high-level ministerial meeting on the 'Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future'. The meet emphasised the need of the industry to align towards a stable, long-term regulatory environment supporting an inclusive and decarbonised ocean-based trade.

Sonowal is on a five-day official visit to Norway to participate in the Nor-Shipping event, as well as to Denmark, with a main aim to further strengthen the maritime relationship with the leaders of the global maritime sector.