Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg Oslo on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of India’s first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV).
The signing of an MoU took place in the presence of Union Minister of Shipping, Ports and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
“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,” said Sarbananda Sonowal.
This strategic collaboration between GRSE and Kongsberg is set to significantly benefit India’s shipbuilding sector. Kongsberg will provide critical design expertise for developing the PRV, ensuring that the vessel is tailored to meet the specific requirements of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), the entity that will utilise the vessel for crucial research activities in the polar and southern ocean realms.
GRSE, leveraging its extensive experience in constructing complex maritime platforms including warships, survey, and research vessels, will undertake the construction of this pioneering PRV at its yard in Kolkata, further solidifying the government’s commitment to indigenous manufacturing.
Earlier in the day, during a roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), Minister Sonowal extended an invitation to Norwegian shipowners to invest further in India’s burgeoning maritime sector. “We invite greater collaboration with Norway to build a green, smart, and resilient maritime ecosystem,” Sonowal urged.
“With major investments in green ports, alternative fuels like green hydrogen, and strategic incentives, India aims to become a global leader in shipbuilding. Our growing partnership with Norway — reflected in Indian shipyards delivering next-gen vessels to Norwegian firms — showcases India’s emergence as a trusted, future-ready hub for cost-effective and sustainable maritime solutions. Let’s strengthen this momentum together,” he further said.
Sonowal highlighted key areas for India-Norway maritime collaboration, revealing that Indian shipyards currently account for 11 per cent of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA)’s order book. He encouraged a further expansion of these orders, also pointing to the advantages of leveraging India’s ship-breaking credit note scheme.
Additionally, he highlighted the substantial investment opportunities available under India’s flagship Sagarmala programme and the $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund, which offer attractive incentives across shipbuilding, ports, and logistics.
