The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 3, 2025
In a landmark step towards scientific advancement and maritime self-reliance, India today signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway’s Kongsberg to build its first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV). The agreement was signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), a premier Indian shipyard based in Kolkata, and the Oslo-headquartered maritime technology leader Kongsberg.
The ceremony, held in New Delhi, was graced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who hailed the initiative as a historic leap for India’s scientific and shipbuilding capabilities.
“Let this MoU signing be a beacon of hope and progress,” said Minister Sonowal. “Together, we are building not just a vessel, but a legacy — one of innovation, exploration, and international cooperation. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, this step reaffirms our commitment to advancing oceanic and polar research and supporting global efforts to tackle climate change.”
The vessel, to be constructed at GRSE’s shipyard in Kolkata, will be tailored to the requirements of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and will play a critical role in India’s expanding polar exploration missions. Equipped with cutting-edge scientific instrumentation, the PRV will enable comprehensive studies of marine ecosystems, climate dynamics, and deep-sea geology, significantly enhancing India’s contributions to polar science.
The collaboration with Kongsberg will bring advanced Norwegian design expertise into the project, enhancing the vessel’s performance in extreme polar conditions. This milestone also aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing India’s growing strength in building complex maritime platforms, including warships, survey vessels, and now, polar research ships.
The MoU signing coincided with Minister Sonowal’s participation in a high-level Ministerial Roundtable on “The Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future”, attended by global maritime leaders from Brazil, Japan, China, the US, Norway, and the United Nations. Sonowal emphasized India’s maritime vision articulated through SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and its expanded form MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions).
“Our vision of MAHASAGAR reflects India’s commitment to inclusive maritime development, regional security, and environmental sustainability,” Sonowal remarked. “We aim to position India as a global maritime leader through strategic partnerships, innovation, and green growth.”
On the sidelines of the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo, the Indian delegation held a key dialogue with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA). Minister Sonowal invited Norwegian shipowners to invest in India’s fast-growing maritime ecosystem, noting the 11% share of Indian shipyards in the NSA’s global order book and the potential to expand this footprint.
He highlighted opportunities under India’s flagship Sagarmala 2.0 programme, the $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund, and sustainability-focused initiatives including green ports, alternative fuels, and ship recycling, where 87% of India’s yards are now HKC-compliant.
“India is emerging as a trusted hub for next-gen, sustainable maritime solutions,” said Sonowal. “Our growing partnership with Norway is a testament to our shared values of innovation and green development. Let us seize this moment to build a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient maritime future together.”
With this MoU, India takes a significant stride toward building indigenous capability in polar and oceanographic research infrastructure. The upcoming PRV is not just a ship; it is a symbol of India’s rising maritime ambitions, scientific prowess, and global partnerships that will chart new courses in polar exploration and sustainability.
Minister Sonowal’s visit to Norway and Denmark marks a renewed push for deepening bilateral maritime cooperation with global leaders, firmly placing India at the center of conversations shaping the future of ocean-based economies.
