New Delhi/Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has signed a contract with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) for the construction of four Hybrid Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs).
The contract marks a significant step in GRSE’s expansion into the specialised offshore support vessel segment and strengthens its commercial shipbuilding portfolio. The agreement follows the Notification of Award (NoA) received by GRSE on July 30, 2026.
The vessels will support ONGC’s offshore exploration and production operations by providing essential logistical and operational assistance to offshore installations.
GRSE-ONGC Contract Signed by Senior Officials
The contract was signed by Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, and Ratnesh Kumar, Executive Director (Strategy), ONGC.
The signing ceremony was attended by Satyen Kumar, Director (Technical), ONGC; Bhaskar Chowdary Nettem, Director (Production), ONGC; and senior officials from both organisations.
The agreement represents an important development in GRSE’s efforts to diversify its order portfolio and extend its shipbuilding expertise beyond traditional defence requirements into commercial maritime and offshore energy applications.
Key Specifications of GRSE’s Four Hybrid Platform Supply Vessels
The four vessels will be designed to perform a range of offshore logistics and support functions. Their key specifications include:
- Number of vessels: Four Hybrid Platform Supply Vessels
- Overall length: Approximately 80 metres
- Beam: 20 metres
- Deadweight capacity: 3,000 tonnes per vessel
- Clear deck area: Approximately 650 square metres
- Endurance: 45+3 days
- Design and construction standards: Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
These specifications will enable the vessels to support offshore operations by transporting essential supplies and facilitating logistical activities associated with oil and gas exploration and production.
The vessels will be built in accordance with the applicable rules of the Indian Register of Shipping, ensuring compliance with the specified standards for design and construction.
Hybrid Propulsion Technology to Improve Operational Efficiency
A key feature of the project is the incorporation of an advanced hybrid propulsion system designed to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of vessel operations.
The propulsion architecture will include electrically driven azimuth thrusters and a Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage System. Together, these technologies will support efficient vessel operations and improve power management during offshore activities.
The battery energy storage system will serve several important functions, including:
- Peak load management: Helping manage fluctuations in power demand during vessel operations.
- Spinning reserve: Supporting the availability of reserve power when required.
- Dynamic positioning: Supporting operations that require the vessel to maintain its position.
- Emergency response: Providing support for critical operational requirements.
The integration of these technologies is intended to improve the vessels’ operational performance while helping reduce their environmental footprint.
GRSE Expands Presence in India’s Offshore Energy Sector
The ONGC contract marks a further step in GRSE’s strategy to diversify its business and strengthen its position in the commercial shipbuilding market.
By undertaking the construction of specialised hybrid offshore support vessels, GRSE will apply its shipbuilding capabilities to the operational requirements of India’s offshore energy industry.
The vessels will contribute to the maritime infrastructure needed for ONGC’s offshore exploration and production activities. Their specialised design and hybrid propulsion systems are intended to support the logistical demands of offshore operations while improving efficiency.
The project also reflects the growing importance of specialised vessels and advanced propulsion technologies in supporting India’s maritime and energy infrastructure.
About Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE)
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Headquartered in Kolkata, the company specialises in shipbuilding and engineering, with capabilities spanning defence vessels and commercial ships. Through this ONGC contract, GRSE is expanding its presence in specialised offshore support vessels and strengthening its role in India’s maritime and offshore energy sectors.
About Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC)
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is a Maharatna central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. It is one of India’s largest oil and gas exploration and production companies, engaged in exploring, developing and producing crude oil and natural gas to support the country’s energy requirements.
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