Oslo, Norway/New Delhi: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) has taken a significant leap forward in maritime research capabilities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kongsberg Maritime Norway. The agreement was inked on the sidelines of Norshipping 2025, one of the world’s premier maritime events, held in Oslo. This MoU is the first-ever between an Indian and Norwegian company at this event, marking a historic milestone in bilateral maritime collaboration.
Strategic Partnership for Cutting-Edge Polar Research Vessel
The MoU was signed by Cmde P R Hari, Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, and Ms. Lisa Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, in the esteemed presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Honourable Minister of Shipping, Ports and Waterways, Government of India. This collaboration aims to enable the indigenous construction of a state-of-the-art Polar Research Vessel (PRV) designed specifically for extreme polar conditions.
Enhancing India’s Scientific Missions in Polar Regions
The upcoming PRV will be crucial in advancing India’s scientific research in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, supporting climate studies, oceanography, and polar logistics. This initiative aligns closely with the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ (MoES) strategic objective to strengthen the country’s polar research infrastructure and capabilities.
Atmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime Innovation
This partnership is a testament to GRSE’s dedication to the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, emphasizing self-reliance through blending international expertise with indigenous shipbuilding excellence. The joint effort aims to deliver a strategic maritime asset of national importance, enhancing India’s standing in polar scientific exploration and maritime technology.
GRSE’s Expanding Maritime Horizon
Known primarily for its excellence in shipbuilding for defense and civilian applications, GRSE’s collaboration with Kongsberg Maritime showcases its expanding footprint in advanced scientific vessel construction. This MoU also highlights GRSE’s commitment to innovation and international cooperation, reinforcing India’s role as a key player in global maritime research.
Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), CMD, GRSE, represented Team India at the ‘Bell Ceremony’ of the 60th @NorShipping in Oslo, Norway, on 02 June 2025 pic.twitter.com/cRNsf0kV5P
— GRSE – Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (@OfficialGRSE) June 2, 2025
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited is a premier defence shipyard based in Kolkata, known for building advanced warships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. With over 100 vessels delivered, GRSE plays a vital role in India’s maritime defence and export capabilities.
