In a significant step forward for India’s maritime and scientific capabilities, the country is set to build its first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV), following a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata, and Norway’s Kongsberg, Oslo. This landmark agreement is aimed at enhancing India’s oceanic research infrastructure and aligns with the nation’s broader ‘Make in India’ shipbuilding vision.

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, was present at the signing ceremony, which marks a turning point in India’s ability to conduct high-end polar research. The vessel will be developed for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR), empowering Indian scientists with state-of-the-art capabilities to explore and study the Arctic and Antarctic regions, marine ecosystems, and climate phenomena.

This development signals India's readiness to play a stronger role in global polar research and environmental monitoring, providing the country with an edge in scientific diplomacy, climate change negotiations, and sustainable maritime development.

Strategic Importance of the PRV for India

India’s decision to construct a Polar Research Vessel is both strategic and scientific. Currently, Indian polar expeditions rely on chartered or foreign-operated vessels, limiting operational autonomy and cost-efficiency. The indigenously built PRV will:

• Enable year-round access to polar regions for Indian scientific teams

• Support advanced research in glaciology, oceanography, and climate science

• Promote maritime self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative

• Strengthen India's standing in international polar research treaties and collaborations

The PRV is expected to be outfitted with cutting-edge technologies from Kongsberg, a global leader in maritime systems, ensuring world-class standards in design, automation, navigation, and scientific instrumentation.

MAHASAGAR Vision: Expanding India’s Maritime Horizon

During his official visit to Norway and Denmark, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled India’s MAHASAGAR vision, an evolution of the previous SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine. MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement of Sustainable and Affordable Growth in the Asian Region, emphasizing:

• Collaborative regional maritime security

• Blue economy development

• Maritime sustainability and green technologies

• Inclusive ocean-based trade frameworks

The minister called upon global stakeholders to recognize India's maritime emergence, supported by robust domestic shipyards, a trained seafaring workforce, and compliance with international safety and environmental norms.

Strengthening Indo-Norwegian Maritime Ties

As part of his diplomatic outreach, Mr. Sonowal co-chaired a high-level roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA). In a forward-looking discussion, he encouraged Norwegian investment in Indian shipyards and port infrastructure, underlining India’s recent progress in:

• Green port development

• Use of alternative marine fuels

• Decarbonization of shipping

• Digital transformation in maritime logistics

He also highlighted that Indian shipyards currently hold 11% of the NSA’s global order book, signifying growing confidence in India’s shipbuilding ecosystem.

The meeting laid the groundwork for expanding cooperation in emission control technologies, smart shipping, and renewable energy-powered vessels, aligning with global mandates for carbon neutrality in maritime transport.

PRV: A Leap for Science and Diplomacy

The PRV project is not only a symbol of technological progress but also of scientific diplomacy, reflecting India’s aspiration to be a leading player in polar governance. The new vessel will:

• Facilitate long-duration expeditions with minimal environmental impact

• Provide mobile laboratories for multidisciplinary research

• Assist in rescue and emergency operations in harsh polar environments

• Be powered with green fuels and conform to Polar Code safety regulations

As climate change accelerates and the Arctic region opens up for navigation and research, the PRV will give India the necessary tools to participate in these evolving geopolitical and ecological developments.

Maritime Innovation and Workforce Synergy

India’s focus on innovation in maritime technology is evident in initiatives like:

• Digital maritime platforms for port and cargo management

• Promotion of digitally skilled maritime professionals

• Strong emphasis on compliance with ship recycling norms, placing India as a global hub under the Hong Kong Convention

With more than two lakh seafarers, India contributes significantly to the global maritime workforce. The PRV project is set to further enhance skills in specialised maritime research and engineering, creating new jobs and expertise pipelines for young professionals.

Conclusion

India's move to build its first indigenous Polar Research Vessel represents a historic milestone in its maritime journey. With GRSE and Kongsberg joining forces, the project embodies a blend of Indian engineering prowess and Norwegian maritime expertise. It supports both scientific exploration and strategic national interests in the rapidly changing polar landscapes.

Coupled with the government’s MAHASAGAR vision, the PRV project signals a bold new phase in India’s maritime diplomacy, self-reliant shipbuilding, and global environmental stewardship. As India deepens its maritime ties with Norway and scales its investment in research infrastructure, it is poised to lead the Global South in oceanic and polar science, reinforcing its role as a responsible maritime power.

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