Garden Reach inks pact with Norway firm, India to build its first polar research vehicle

“Let this MoU signing be a beacon of hope and progress, signalling India’s unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable development. Together, we are building not just a vessel but a legacy — a legacy of innovation, exploration and international cooperation that will inspire generations to come,” Sonowal said.

A PRV is a ship which serves a platform for research in the polar regions (areas surrounding the North and South Poles). It can also help scientists undertake research in the ocean realm.

India currently operates three research base stations in the polar regions — Bharati and Maitri in Antarctica, and Himadri in the Arctic region — and had been planning to have its own PRV for a while now. In 2023, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that the country would have its first PRV within five years at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,600 crore.

According to the Ministry, the MoU marks an important milestone for India’s shipbuilding sector as it will receive design expertise for developing the PRV “while taking into account the requirement of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, which will use it for research activities in the polar and southern ocean realms”.

The PRV will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling researchers to explore the oceans’ depths and study marine ecosystems, Sonowal said. It will be a testament to India’s critical shipbuilding capabilities, boosting the Government’s ‘Make In India’ initiative, he added.

GRSE, which has built warships, survey and research vessels, will build the PRV in its yard in Kolkata.

Meanwhile, Sonowal, who embarked on a five-day official visit to Norway and Denmark on Monday, also represented India in a ministerial meeting on the role of shipping in shaping the future. The meet emphasised the need for the industry to seek out a stable, long-term, regulatory environment supporting inclusive and decarbonised ocean-based trade. Ministers from Brazil, Japan, UN, US, China and Norway also attended the meet.

Underlining PM Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region – Sonowal said it “leverages India’s vast coastline, strategic location, and maritime heritage to drive economic prosperity, enhance regional security, and ensure sustainable development for all stakeholders”.

“This entails economic cooperation, capacity building, disaster management, information sharing and environmental stewardship. Upgrading from the SAGAR initiative, India’s PM Narendra Modi ji announced MAHASAGAR — which is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, signalling further consolidation,” he added.

He also said the MInistry’s Sagarmala 2.0 programme “focuses on bridging critical infrastructure gaps, boosting shipbuilding, ship repair, and recycling, and positioning India as a global maritime leader”.

Sonowal also held a roundtable meeting with Norwegian shipowners, and invited investment in India’s maritime sector.