India Launches First Polar Research Vessel in Partnership with Norway, ET Government

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday witnessed the signing of an MoU between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata and Kongsberg, NorwayNEW DELHI/OSLO: In a landmark development for India’s scientific and maritime capabilities, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday witnessed the signing of an MoU between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata and Kongsberg, Norway, to design and build India’s first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV). The agreement signals a major step toward indigenous capability in polar and oceanographic research, reinforcing India’s Make in India initiative.Speaking at the MoU ceremony, Minister Sonowal described the partnership as a “beacon of hope and progress,” emphasizing that the project is more than infrastructure—it is a legacy of “scientific discovery, innovation, and international collaboration.” The vessel, to be used by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR), will be equipped with advanced scientific equipment for studying ocean depths, marine ecosystems, and climate change in polar and southern ocean regions.

The state-of-the-art vessel will be constructed at GRSE’s facilities in Kolkata, leveraging its experience in building complex maritime platforms including research and survey ships. The collaboration with Kongsberg brings global design expertise into the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem, marking a significant milestone in scientific maritime infrastructure development.

Sonowal Reiterates India’s MAHASAGAR Vision at International Ministerial Meet
Later in the day, Sonowal participated in a high-level Ministerial Discussion on “Shipping and Ocean Business” attended by ministers from the US, China, Japan, Norway, Brazil, and representatives from the UN. Reaffirming India’s maritime strategy, Sonowal spotlighted MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, an expansion of the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“India’s maritime vision goes beyond trade—it encompasses regional security, disaster management, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development,” Sonowal said, stressing the need for a stable, long-term global regulatory framework to support decarbonised ocean-based trade.

Maritime Investment Push: India Courts Norwegian Shipowners
In a dedicated roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), Sonowal invited Norwegian maritime leaders to expand their investment footprint in India. Highlighting India’s progress in green shipping, shipbuilding, and port infrastructure, he showcased the country’s $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund and the upcoming Sagarmala 2.0 programme as major opportunities.

“Indian shipyards already hold 11% of NSA’s global order book. Let’s build on this momentum together,” Sonowal urged, pointing to India’s 87% compliance with the Hong Kong Convention in ship recycling and its rising global rank as a seafaring workforce supplier. He proposed expanded cooperation in green hydrogen fuel, digital logistics platforms like ONOP and MAITRI, and green shipping corridors aligned with IMO’s net-zero goals.

Strengthening Global Maritime Ties
Sonowal’s visit to Norway forms part of a five-day official tour that includes Denmark, centered around India’s participation in the Nor-Shipping 2025 global maritime exhibition. His meetings aim to strengthen India’s position as a future-ready maritime hub, fostering collaborations in sustainability, technology, and logistics with global industry leaders.

India’s first polar research vessel, upcoming Sagarmala initiatives, and growing foreign investment partnerships underscore the country’s ambition to emerge as a key player in sustainable and strategic maritime leadership on the global stage.

• Published On Jun 4, 2025 at 12:17 PM IST

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