India–Norway Tie-Up for First Polar Research Vessel Signals Big Leap in Ocean Science

In an impressive step forward for India’s polar ambitions and oceanographic science, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has signed an MoU with Norway’s Kongsberg to build India’s first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV). The deal, part of India’s ambitious Maritime Vision 2047, was announced at the Nor‑Shipping 2025 conference in Oslo by Ports, Shipping & Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Vessel: Specs & Strategic Promise

  • State‑of‑the‑art research platform: The PRV will be designed for extreme polar conditions, equipped with advanced labs, dynamic positioning systems, and support facilities for autonomous underwater vehicles and oceanographic instruments—ideal for climate, cryosphere, and ecosystem studies.

  • GRSE’s shipbuilding edge: With a ₹840‑crore contract underway (36–42 month build cycle), the vessel spans ~89.5 m, displaces ~5,900 tonnes, and is capable of deep-sea coring, seabed sampling, CTD profiling, and deployment of AUVs/ROVs .

  • Geopolitical and scientific gains: The PRV equips India to intensify polar research, climate monitoring, and contribute to global efforts on sea-level rise and polar ice dynamics. It positions India as a capable player in Arctic and Antarctic science collaboration.

Why It Matters

1. Advancing Oceanography & Climate Science
Polar regions are critical in regulating Earth’s climate. Equipped for multidisciplinary research, the PRV will enable India to lead explorations into ocean currents, marine ecosystems, sea-ice dynamics, and deep-sea geology—helping scientists make essential climate projections.

2. Towards Maritime Vision 2047
Aligned with the government’s long-term maritime strategy, the PRV cements India’s resolve for self-reliance and global maritime leadership, strengthening its shipbuilding base and research infrastructure.

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3. Strengthened India–Norway Partnership
Combining GRSE’s vessel-building capabilities with Kongsberg’s polar expertise ensures the vessel meets top international standards. This is a major collaboration boosting India’s technological prowess and global maritime ties.

Deep Ocean & Polar Ambitions

  • Deep Ocean Mission synergy: The PRV augments India’s broader Deep Ocean Mission activities, such as mapping mineral-rich hydrothermal vents and deploying submersibles like Matsya 6000 for human-led missions up to 6,000 m deep.

  • Polar research infrastructure upgrade: India’s Antarctic stations (Maitri, Bharti) are also being revamped, with updated facilities aimed at boosting polar fieldwork capabilities in sync with the new vessel.