Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has achieved another milestone in its international commercial shipbuilding programme with the keel-laying ceremony of the fifth Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV).
The vessel is being built for Germany-based Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler and Reederei GmbH & Co. KG. The ceremony was held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in the presence of senior officials from GRSE, Carsten Rehder and DNV.
The milestone marks steady progress in one of GRSE’s most significant export projects and reinforces the shipyard’s commitment to the vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’.
GRSE Advances Its Largest Commercial Shipbuilding Export Project
The MPV programme represents the largest commercial shipbuilding export order secured by GRSE. The project highlights the shipyard’s growing capabilities in the international commercial shipbuilding market and its efforts to diversify its portfolio while strengthening its presence in the global maritime sector.
The project involves the design and construction of 12 CORAL 7500 DWT Multi-Purpose Vessels, developed through collaboration between GRSE and Germany’s Carsten Rehder.
The contracts for the 12 vessels were signed in three phases:
- June 2024: The first contract covered the construction of four MPVs.
- October 2024: The second contract covered another four vessels. The fifth MPV is the first vessel being built under this contract.
- September 2025: The third contract covered four MPVs featuring hybrid propulsion systems.
With these three contracts, the total order reached 12 Multi-Purpose Vessels, marking a significant achievement in GRSE’s commercial shipbuilding and export operations.
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Key Specifications of GRSE’s CORAL 7500 DWT Vessels
The CORAL 7500 DWT vessels have been designed to support a wide range of cargo transportation requirements. Their specifications and design features provide operational flexibility for handling different types of cargo.
Key specifications include:
- Vessel type: CORAL 7500 DWT Multi-Purpose Vessel
- Length: 120 metres
- Beam: 17 metres
- Draught: 5.85 metres
- Deadweight capacity: 7,500 tonnes
Each vessel will feature a large cargo hold designed to accommodate bulk cargo, general cargo and project cargo. The design will also allow containers to be carried on hatch covers and multiple wind turbine blades to be transported on deck.
These features are intended to provide flexibility in meeting diverse cargo transportation requirements across international maritime markets.
Collaboration with German Maritime Companies
The MPV project involves collaboration with several established maritime companies to support the development and delivery of the vessels.
Key project partners include:
- Carsten Rehder: Germany-based maritime company and customer for the MPVs.
- F.H. Bertling: A participating German maritime company.
- ForestWave Navigation/Schulte & Bruns: Collaborating companies involved in the project.
- Delft Shipping: Another participating maritime company.
- SEDS: Providing technical design support in association with GRSE.
- DNV: Responsible for the classification and certification of the vessels.
The participation of these companies reflects the international collaboration underpinning the project, combining GRSE’s shipbuilding capabilities with technical and maritime expertise.
Strengthening India’s Global Shipbuilding Presence
The keel laying of the fifth MPV demonstrates continued progress in GRSE’s export-oriented commercial shipbuilding programme. The project supports the shipyard’s efforts to expand its international customer base, develop advanced vessel-building capabilities and contribute to India’s position in the global maritime industry.
With 12 vessels planned under the three contracts, the programme represents an important step in GRSE’s strategy to strengthen its commercial shipbuilding portfolio and advance the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision.
About Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE)
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is a Navratna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, headquartered in Kolkata. The company builds warships and other vessels for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and commercial customers. GRSE also undertakes ship repair, engineering and related activities, contributing to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and maritime development.
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