A new chapter for Indian science
India’s First Polar Research Vessel: India is all set to build its first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV). This isn’t just another ship—it’s a symbol of scientific ambition and global cooperation. Thanks to a major MoU signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) and Norwegian firm Kongsberg, India will finally have a home-built vessel to explore the world’s coldest frontiers.
This historic agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on June 3, 2025. It’s a big step forward, not just for science, but also for India’s reputation in maritime innovation and shipbuilding capabilities.
How this partnership formed?
India has always been involved in polar research—whether in the icy Arctic or the frigid Antarctic. But until now, it had to depend on foreign ships. That’s where this MoU changes the game. GRSE, known for constructing complex warships and survey vessels, will now team up with Kongsberg to design and build the PRV.
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) will be the main user of this vessel, ensuring it meets high scientific standards.
What will the PRV do?
The PRV will be more than a floating lab. It’s being built to handle some of the most extreme environments on Earth. It will support:
- Deep-sea exploration
- Polar ice and climate studies
- Marine biodiversity research
- India’s polar missions, especially in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
The ship will also carry state-of-the-art scientific tools designed specifically for the tough conditions of polar regions.
India’s ocean vision grows stronger
This announcement comes just as India’s MAHASAGAR Vision gains momentum. The vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across Regions, builds upon the older SAGAR initiative and aims to make India a maritime powerhouse.
At the Nor-Shipping 2025 event in Norway, Shri Sonowal also pushed for international investment in green shipbuilding, logistics, and digital maritime platforms.
India now ranks as the second-largest contributor of seafarers to the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association fleet. And interestingly, 87% of India’s ship recycling yards are HKC-compliant, putting India in a strong global position.
Why this matters?
The PRV doesn’t just benefit researchers. It’s a reflection of India’s aim to blend self-reliance with global partnership. It adds strength to the Make in India campaign, gives a boost to scientific infrastructure, and shows that India is ready to take leadership in areas like climate research, marine ecology, and sustainable development.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Topic | Details |
| MoU Partners | GRSE (India) and Kongsberg (Norway) |
| Project | India’s first Polar Research Vessel (PRV) |
| Purpose | Deep-sea, climate, marine research and polar mission support |
| Under Guidance Of | National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) |
| Part of Mission | Make in India, MAHASAGAR Vision |
| Union Minister Present | Sarbananda Sonowal, MoPSW |
| Arctic and Antarctic Significance | Boosts India’s presence in polar science |
| International Collaboration | Strengthens India–Norway maritime ties |
| Event | Nor-Shipping 2025, Ministerial meeting and NSA roundtable |
| Static GK Fact | India has 87% HKC-compliant ship recycling yards |
