India to Construct Its First Indigenous Polar Research Vessel

India's Ambitious Maritime Project

Guwahati, June 3: In a significant advancement for India's maritime research and shipbuilding sector, the nation is embarking on the construction of its inaugural indigenously built Polar Research Vessel (PRV).

During a five-day official trip to Norway and Denmark, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, observed the signing of a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday. This agreement was established between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata and the Norwegian maritime technology company Kongsberg.

“We are not merely constructing a vessel; we are creating a legacy of innovation and exploration,” Sonowal remarked during the event.

The PRV will be constructed at GRSE’s shipyard in Kolkata and is designed to fulfill the specifications set by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR).

Fitted with advanced scientific instruments, the vessel aims to facilitate deep-sea exploration, marine ecosystem research, and climate studies in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

This initiative represents a new era for India's scientific expedition capabilities and propels the country's goal of becoming a leader in maritime research.

Earlier that day, Sonowal took part in a high-level ministerial meeting at the Nor-Shipping 2025 event, which focused on “The Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future.” He joined counterparts from Brazil, Japan, Norway, the US, and China.

Reiterating India’s strategic maritime vision, he highlighted the transition from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region).

“Our objective is clear—economic growth, regional security, and sustainable development through strong ocean-based trade,” he emphasized, mentioning initiatives like Sagarmala 2.0, which aims at infrastructure enhancement, green shipping, and ship repair and recycling.

In a separate meeting, Sonowal convened a roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), encouraging increased investment in India’s rapidly expanding maritime sector.

“India and Norway share a strong alignment of values—sustainability, innovation, and cooperation. We are prepared for deeper partnerships,” Sonowal stated.

Currently, India’s shipyards account for 11% of NSA’s order book, a figure Sonowal aims to elevate.

He also highlighted India’s strong maritime workforce, which ranks second in NSA’s global fleet, and called for broader recruitment collaborations.

Key investment opportunities were presented under the $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund, which includes green ports, digital platforms like ONOP and MAITRI, and incentives for shipbuilding, logistics, and ship recycling.

Sonowal’s official visit to Norway and Denmark is centered on enhancing India's maritime ties with key global players and advancing bilateral cooperation in green shipping, research, and shipbuilding.