India to construct its first Polar Research Vessel, marking a major milestone for indigenous shipbuilding and maritime logistics
India has taken a strategic leap in maritime logistics with the signing of an MoU between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and Norway’s Kongsberg to construct the nation’s first Polar Research Vessel (PRV). The announcement was made during Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal’s official visit to Norway.
The vessel, to be built at GRSE’s facility, will enhance India’s ocean research capabilities and serve the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. Equipped with state-of-the-art scientific systems, the PRV reflects India’s growing self-reliance in complex shipbuilding and aligns with the Make in India programme.
At the Nor-Shipping ministerial meet, Sonowal outlined India’s MAHASAGAR vision for inclusive and sustainable maritime growth. He also invited global collaboration for green shipping and ship recycling.
During a roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, India highlighted its 11% share in NSA’s order book and pitched for deeper investments across ports, green fuels, and shipbuilding through the Sagarmala initiative and the $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund — aiming to position India as a global maritime logistics hub.
Source: PIB Delhi
