GRSE signs MoU with Norway's Kongsberg to build India's first Polar Research Vessel
Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers signed an MoU with Norway's Kongsberg in Oslo on 3 June 2025 for India's first indigenously built Polar Research Vessel.
Summary
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), based in Kolkata, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Norway's Kongsberg in Oslo on 3 June 2025, paving the way for India to build its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV) indigenously. Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended the signing. Under the MoU, GRSE will receive Kongsberg's design expertise for the vessel, which will meet the requirements of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research for research in the polar and southern ocean realms. GRSE will build the PRV in its Kolkata yard, a boost to the 'Make in India' initiative.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 3 Jun 2025, Oslo
- Builder
- GRSE, Kolkata
- Partner
- Kongsberg, Norway (design expertise)
- User
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
- Purpose
- Research in polar and southern ocean realms
- Present
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which Indian shipyard signed an MoU on 3 June 2025 to build India's first Polar Research Vessel?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) signed the MoU and will build the Polar Research Vessel in its Kolkata yard.
GRSE's partner for design expertise on India's first Polar Research Vessel, Kongsberg, is from which country?
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Correct answer: B — Norway
Kongsberg is from Norway; the MoU was signed in Oslo in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
The Polar Research Vessel to be built by GRSE will take into account the requirements of which institution?
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Correct answer: C — National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
The vessel will take into account the requirements of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, which will use it for research in the polar and southern ocean realms.