Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has laid the keel of the fourth Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) being built for Germany’s Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler and Reederei GmbH & Co. KG, marking another key milestone in India’s largest commercial shipbuilding export project.
The development further strengthens GRSE’s position in the global maritime market and reflects India’s growing capabilities under the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative.
Major Milestone in 12-Vessel Export Order
The MPV project, which began with an order for four vessels in 2024, has now expanded to 12 advanced vessels, making it one of the biggest commercial export programmes handled by an Indian shipyard.
The keel-laying ceremony was attended by senior GRSE officials, representatives of the German shipping company, and classification society DNV.
The final contract for the ninth to twelfth hybrid propulsion vessels was signed in September 2025, further accelerating the project’s global significance.
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Advanced Multi-Purpose Vessel Design
Each vessel in the CORAL 7500 DWT series is designed for high versatility and modern cargo requirements:
- Length: 120 metres
- Beam: 17 metres
- Draught: 5.85 metres
- Cargo capacity: 7,500 metric tonnes
The ships are capable of carrying bulk cargo, general cargo, and project cargo, along with containers and wind turbine blades, supporting global renewable energy logistics.
Global Collaboration Strengthens Project Execution
The project is being developed in collaboration with international maritime partners, including:
- F.H. Bertling
- ForestWave Navigation / Schulte & Bruns
- Delft Shipping
Technical design support is being provided by SEDS, while classification and certification are handled by DNV.
Boost to India’s Maritime Export Capabilities
The MPV programme highlights GRSE’s growing focus on commercial shipbuilding alongside defence manufacturing. The project is expected to enhance India’s position in global shipbuilding and expand export opportunities in the maritime sector.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) is one of India’s leading defence shipyards and a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. Headquartered in Kolkata, GRSE specializes in the construction of warships, naval vessels, and commercial ships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The company plays a major role in strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing and maritime capabilities under the country’s self-reliance initiatives.
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