Latest news with #GardenReachShipbuildersandEngineersLimited
India Today
6 days ago
- Business
- India Today
India partners with Norway to build first indigenous polar research vessel. Key details
India is set to construct its first indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV) following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway's Kongsberg Oslo. The agreement, formalised in Oslo in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, marks a significant advancement in India's maritime and scientific PRV will be equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments, enabling researchers to delve into oceanic depths and study marine ecosystems. This initiative aligns with India's commitment to scientific progress and sustainable development, providing invaluable insights into the planet's environmental India's polar research missions have relied on chartered vessels from the international market. The acquisition of an indigenous PRV will reduce this dependency, granting India greater autonomy in its polar explorations. The vessel is expected to play a crucial role in supporting India's research bases in Antarctica and the Arctic, facilitating continuous access essential for climate change studies and other scientific endeavors. The collaboration with Kongsberg Oslo underscores the importance of international partnerships in achieving complex technological feats. By integrating global expertise with domestic capabilities, India aims to bolster its maritime infrastructure and scientific research. This initiative is a testament to India's strategic vision of becoming self-reliant in critical technologies while fostering global construction of the PRV is anticipated to be completed within the next five years, with an estimated cost of 2,600 crore. This investment reflects India's dedication to enhancing its research infrastructure and expanding its presence in polar addition to supporting polar research, the PRV will serve as a versatile platform for oceanographic studies, including research in the Southern Ocean. This multifunctional capability will enable Indian scientists to undertake comprehensive studies of marine environments, contributing to a deeper understanding of global climate systems and marine initiative also aligns with India's broader maritime objectives, as articulated by Minister Sonowal during discussions at Nor Shipping 2025 in Norway. He emphasized India's vision of 'MAHASAGAR,' aiming for inclusive growth and international collaboration in the maritime summary, the construction of India's first indigenous Polar Research Vessel represents a significant milestone in the nation's scientific and maritime endeavors. By reducing reliance on foreign vessels and enhancing research capabilities, India is poised to make substantial contributions to polar science and oceanography, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and international InMust Watch
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Garden Reach inks pact with Norway firm, India to build its first polar research vehicle
Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), a Government of India undertaking, signed an MoU with Norwegian firm Kongsberg on Tuesday to co-design and build India's first-ever polar research vehicle (PRV) indigenously. The MoU was signed in Oslo in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who termed it '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.' '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,' Sonowal said. A PRV is a ship which serves as a platform for research in the polar regions (areas surrounding the North and South Poles). It can also help scientists undertake research in the ocean realm. India currently operates three research base stations in the polar regions — Bharati and Maitri in Antarctica, and Himadri in the Arctic region — and had been planning to have its own PRV for a while now. In 2023, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that the country would have its first PRV within five years at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,600 crore. According to the Ministry, the MoU 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, which will use it for research activities in the polar and southern ocean realms'. The PRV will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling researchers to explore the oceans' depths and study marine ecosystems, Sonowal said. It will be a testament to India's critical shipbuilding capabilities, boosting the Government's 'Make In India' initiative, he added. GRSE, which has built warships, survey and research vessels, will build the PRV in its yard in Kolkata. Meanwhile, Sonowal, who is on a five-day official visit to Norway and Denmark, also represented India in a ministerial meeting on the role of shipping in shaping the future. The meeting emphasised the need for the industry to seek out a stable, long-term, regulatory environment supporting inclusive and decarbonised ocean-based trade. Ministers from Brazil, Japan, UN, US, China and Norway also attended the meet. Underlining PM Narendra Modi's vision of SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region — Sonowal said it 'leverages 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 the SAGAR initiative, India's PM Narendra Modi ji announced MAHASAGAR — which is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, signalling further consolidation,' he added. Sonowal also held a roundtable meeting with Norwegian shipowners, and invited investment in India's maritime sector. Vikas Pathak is deputy associate editor with The Indian Express and writes on national politics. He has over 17 years of experience, and has worked earlier with The Hindustan Times and The Hindu, among other publications. He has covered the national BJP, some key central ministries and Parliament for years, and has covered the 2009 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls and many state assembly polls. He has interviewed many Union ministers and Chief Ministers. Vikas has taught as a full-time faculty member at Asian College of Journalism, Chennai; Symbiosis International University, Pune; Jio Institute, Navi Mumbai; and as a guest professor at Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. Vikas has authored a book, Contesting Nationalisms: Hinduism, Secularism and Untouchability in Colonial Punjab (Primus, 2018), which has been widely reviewed by top academic journals and leading newspapers. He did his PhD, M Phil and MA from JNU, New Delhi, was Student of the Year (2005-06) at ACJ and gold medalist from University Rajasthan College in Jaipur in graduation. He has been invited to top academic institutions like JNU, St Stephen's College, Delhi, and IIT Delhi as a guest speaker/panellist. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India to build first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel as GRSE signs MoU with Norway's Kongsberg
India's Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway's Kongsberg company to build India's first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV). According to a release, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, also attended the MoU signing ceremony between the two companies. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Norshipping 2025, a maritime trade fair on June 2 in Oslo, Norway. Speaking on the occasion, 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 of innovation, exploration, and international cooperation that will inspire generations to come." He highlighted how the MoU will boost the 'Make in India' initiative, launched in 2014, which is meant to boost India's manufacturing sector, including increasing indigenous defence manufacturing. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister 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. 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," Sonowal said. "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 added. 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 will be building the 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. After the signing of the MoU, GRSE highlighted how the PRV will help with supporting India's scientific research missions in Arctic and Antartic Regions, contributing to climate research, oceanography and polar logistics. "The vessel will play a pivotal role in supporting India's scientific missions in the Arctic and Antartic Regions contributing significantly to climate research, oceanography and polar logistics. This is in line with the strategic initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences MoES, Govt of India to acquire a state of Art Polar Research vessel (PRV) aimed at strengthening India's Polar research capabilities," GRSE posted on X. Union Minister 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, long term regulatory environment supporting an inclusive and de-carbonised ocean-based trade. Ministers from Brazil, Japan, UN, US, China, and Norway joined Sonowal at the meet. "India's maritime sector is on a transformative path, driven by sustainability, innovation, and global partnerships. We invite greater collaboration with Norway to build a green, smart, and resilient maritime ecosystem. With major investments in green ports, alternative fuels like green hydrogen, and strategic incentives, India aims to become a global leader in shipbuilding. Our growing partnership with Norway -- reflected in Indian shipyards delivering next-gen vessels to Norwegian firms -- showcases India's emergence as a trusted, future-ready hub for cost-effective and sustainable maritime solutions," the union minister said. He also highlighted key areas for India-Norway maritime collaboration, saying that Indian shipyards currently hold 11% of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association (NSA)'s order book. He urged for further expansion of orders, including leveraging India's ship-breaking credit note scheme. He also underlined the significant investment opportunities available under India's flagship Sagarmala programme and the USD 2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund, offering incentives across shipbuilding, ports, and logistics. The Minister stressed India's commitment to innovation through digital platforms like ONOP and MAITRI and Invited Norway's cooperation in green shipping corridors, ship recycling, and IMO-aligned net-zero goals, noting that 87% of Indian recycling yards are now HKC compliant. The Union Minister is on a five day official visit to Norway to participate in Nor-Shipping event as well as to Denmark, with a main aim to further strengthen the maritime relationship with the leaders of the Global Maritime sector.
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Written off by many after accident, INS Brahmaputra set to sail again
Indian warship INS Brahmaputra, crippled after an accident at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai last July, could be seaworthy by the year-end and fully combat ready around mid-2026, as the Indian Navy rushes to repair and return the locally produced frigate to service even as many feared the vessel may not sail again because of the extensive damage it suffered, senior officials aware of the matter said on Saturday. 'Repairs are in full swing at the Naval Dockyard. The activities leading to the restoration of 'float and move' capabilities are expected to be completed by the year-end/early 2026. The 'fight' component is likely to be reactivated by June-July 2026. Getting the warship back in action is a priority,' said one of the officials, asking not to be named. This is the first update on the operationalisation of the guided missile frigate built at Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and commissioned into the navy in 2000. In naval parlance, the 'float, move and fight' components refer to a warship's ability to stay afloat (structural integrity), manoeuvre (propulsion systems) and engage in combat (weaponry and sensors). The 3,850-tonne warship tipped over at the Naval Dockyard on July 21 after a fire broke out on board, and firefighting units pumped huge quantities of water to douse the flames. A sailor, leading seaman Sitendra Singh, was killed in that accident. Singh was among the frigate's crew involved in repairs when the incident occurred. While most of the men exited the warship using the gangway, some others jumped into the water and swam back to safety, except Singh, who drowned. The warship was moved to the dry dock in November 2024 after being brought to its upright position, followed by a thorough assessment of the damage and the repairs needed to make it operational, said a second official, who also asked not to be named. 'The repairs are now being carried out in a phased manner, beginning with the warship's hull, propulsion and power generation systems to get the 'float and move' component going. Equipment and systems that require repair or replacement are being removed and taken to the shop floors of the Naval Dockyard for necessary action,' he said. Work on fixing the 'fight component' is also happening alongside, the official added. The warship's crew is coordinating the repair work with the Naval Dockyard, like the crew of any warship undergoing a refit. Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited Mumbai immediately after the accident to assess the damage to the warship and directed the Western Naval Command to initiate necessary actions to make it seaworthy and combat ready again. After the INS Brahmaputra mishap, Tripathi also formed a special task force (STF), under a rear admiral, to look into the wider safety and security issues involving vessels and suggest measures to minimise or eliminate accidents. The STF has submitted its report, and its recommendations on safety, security and standard operating procedures have been promulgated to all naval commands, establishments and units. The navy has issued directions for the recommendations to be implemented at the earliest. Earlier in April, the navy's top brass held a four-day conference to discuss a raft of issues pertaining to the service including its modernisation, measures to boost indigenisation, its readiness to address maritime challenges, and safety norms. The Naval Commanders' Conference, chaired by Tripathi, also featured a special session dedicated to safety, with focus on the actions taken by various naval commands, establishments and units based on the findings of the STF. Two more accidents took place after the STF was formed.
India.com
22-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Bangladesh betrays India again, cancels Rs 1800000000 of…, Muhammad Yunus gets closer to China by signing…
Sheikh Hasina's government stepped down last year and she had shifted to India. The protest against the government was going on for several months. After her regime,the new government under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus was formed in Bangladesh. However after this development India's ties with Bangladesh were affected. The new government made more ties with China by signing deals of $2.1 billion. India and Bangladesh Relations The divide between India and China can be seen with recents action by both the countries. Last week, India blocked $770 million (around Rs 6,600 crore) of imports from Bangladesh which was around 42% of Bangladesh's exports to India. Bangladesh also stopped importing Indian yarn, rice, and other goods. Bangladesh has also imposed transit fees on Indian cargo. Bangladesh Cancel Order From India Bangladesh's now cancelled order of Rs 180 crore, was given by the Directorate General Defense Purchase with India's state-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE). The order was for a modern maritime vessel, 61 meters long and 15.8 meters wide with a speed of at least 13 knots. The ship was supposed to be delivered within 24 months. GRSE's Background Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) is from Kolkata and builds and repairs commercial and naval ships. GRSE's shares closed at Rs 2,500.5 on Wednesday with 4.43% increase. Year-to-date, the company's shares increased by 54.7%, and in the last 12 months, they grew by 109.6%. In Q4 FY2025, GRSE's net profit of the company increased by 118% year-on-year. After Sheikh Hasina's resignation, Muhammad Yunus's interim government has been developing a good relationship with China.
