India to Indigenously Build First Polar Research Vessel in Collaboration with Norway, Eyes Broader Maritime Partnerships
India is set to achieve a significant milestone in its maritime and scientific research capabilities with the indigenous construction of its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV). This advancement was formalised today, June 3rd, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Oslo between Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg. The development coincides with Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal's engagements in Norway, aimed at deepening international maritime cooperation and attracting investment into India's burgeoning maritime sector.
Pioneering Indigenous Polar Research Vessel
The MoU between GRSE and Kongsberg is a pivotal step, providing India with crucial design expertise for the specialized PRV. This vessel, to be built at GRSE's yard in Kolkata, will be equipped with advanced scientific instruments to support the research activities of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR) in the polar regions and southern oceans. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Sonowal hailed the agreement as a "beacon of hope and progress," highlighting India's commitment to scientific advancement, sustainable development, and the 'Make In India' initiative. He emphasized that the vessel would enable Indian researchers to explore oceanic depths, study marine ecosystems, and contribute to global efforts addressing challenges like climate change.
Strengthening Indo-Norwegian Maritime Ties
Minister Sonowal's visit to Norway also included a high-level roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), where he invited greater Norwegian investment in India's rapidly transforming maritime sector. He highlighted shared values of sustainability and innovation, pointing out that Indian shipyards already hold 11% of the NSA's order book. Key areas identified for enhanced collaboration include green port initiatives, the development of alternative fuels like green hydrogen, port digitization, and the potential for joint development of India's Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into "Smart Islands" using Japanese and Norwegian expertise in renewable energy and digital infrastructure. Furthermore, opportunities for training and employing India's skilled seafaring workforce in Japan and Norway were actively discussed. Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, present at the MoU signing, expressed strong interest in expanding maritime collaboration with India beyond existing railway infrastructure projects, viewing prospects in shipbuilding and seafarer training positively.
India's Vision for Global Maritime Leadership
During a Ministerial Meeting on the ‘Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future,’ Minister Sonowal reaffirmed India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) vision, an expansion of the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. This vision aims to leverage India's maritime heritage for economic prosperity and regional security through international cooperation, capacity building, and environmental stewardship. He also highlighted the Sagarmala 2.0 program's focus on bridging infrastructure gaps and positioning India as a global maritime leader. An invitation was extended to Japan to partner in developing the National Maritime Heritage Museum at Lothal, Gujarat, and to participate in India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.
The agreement to build India's first indigenous Polar Research Vessel in partnership with a Norwegian firm is a landmark achievement, significantly boosting the nation's scientific research and domestic shipbuilding prowess. This development, coupled with Minister Sonowal's proactive engagements, signals India's strong intent to forge robust international maritime partnerships, attract investment, and play a leading role in sustainable and innovative maritime development on the global stage.
