Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal attended an important MoU signing ceremony between Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg here on Tuesday.

The MoU paves the way for India to build it first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV) indigenously.

MoU Signing Is A Beacon Of Hope: Sonowal

Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “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."

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, this MoU is a commitment to fostering scientific discovery, advancing India’s capabilities in polar and ocean research, and contributing to global efforts to address pressing challenges like climate change," he said.

"The vessel will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling our researchers to explore the oceans’ depths, study marine ecosystems, and unlock new insights into our planet’s past, present, and future. This will be a testament of India’s critical shipbuilding capabilities — boosting further ‘Make In India’ initiative of the government. I congratulate all stakeholders for their dedication and look forward to the day when this Polar Research Vessel sets sail, carrying India’s aspirations to the farthest reaches of the globe," he said.

The MoU between GRSE and Knogsberg 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 (NCOPR), who will use it for research activities in the polar and southern ocean realms.

GRSE, with its rich experience of constructing complex maritime platforms like warships, survey & research vessels, will build this PRV in its yard in Kolkata, ensuring a boost to Government’s ‘Make In India’ initiative.

The leadership of Kongsberg as well as GRSE joined the Union Minister, senior government officials from Norway and India at the event.

MHASAGAR Vision

Sonowal Reaffirms India’s MAHASAGAR Vision at Shipping & Ocean Business Meet

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also represented India in a high-level Ministerial Meeting on the ‘Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future.’

The meet emphasised the need of the industry to align towards a stable, longterm regulatory environment supporting an inclusive and decarbonised ocean-based trade. Ministers from Brazil, Japan, UN, US, China, and Norway joined Shri Sonowal at the meet.

Speaking at the meet, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji announced India’s vision of "Growth for All," articulated as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The overarching aim of this vision leverages on 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 SAGAR initiative, India’s PM Narendra Modi ji announced MAHASAGAR — which is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, signalling further consolidation and an expanded approach to holistic maritime engagement & growth.”

Sarbananda Sonowal further added, “Building on the success of the initial phase, Sagarmala 2.0 programme of my Ministry, focuses on bridging critical infrastructure gaps, boosting shipbuilding, ship repair, and recycling, and positioning India as a global maritime leader. Indian government's outlook on Shipping and Ocean Business is to promote mutual and holistic growth, through robust international cooperation, and a strong commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.”

(With inputs from IBNS)