India to build first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel with Norway

India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg Oslo signed an MoU which paves the way for India to build its first ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV) indigenously. The MoU was signed on Tuesday in presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal in Oslo, Norway. Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, this MoU is a beacon of hope and progress, signalling India’s unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable development. The vessel will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enable researchers to explore the oceans’ depths, study marine ecosystems, and unlock new insights into our planet’s past, present, and future.

Bharat’s first Polar Research Vessel (PRV) to be Made In India!

A landmark Indo-Norwegian collaboration takes shape with the MoU signing between @OfficialGRSE and Kongsberg Maritime to co-design and build India's first PRV for the National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research. The… pic.twitter.com/lOb8WpLWjp

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 3, 2025

The PRV will be developed with design expertise from Kongsberg and constructed by GRSE in Kolkata. It will cater to the requirements of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), enabling scientific exploration in the polar and Southern Ocean regions. Equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments, the vessel will support marine research, ecosystem studies, and contribute to global climate change efforts. GRSE’s extensive experience in building complex maritime platforms such as warships and research vessels positions it as a natural choice for this pioneering project. The initiative is expected to enhance India’s strategic autonomy in the polar research domain and bolster the country’s maritime R&D capacity.India’s shipyards currently handle 11% of NSA’s global order book. Sonowal called for further expansion of these orders and encouraged recruitment from India’s seafaring workforce—ranked second in NSA’s fleet.