India Builds Stronger Maritime and Research Partnerships with Norway and Japan

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Mfame Editor
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  • India and Norway advanced maritime ties with the signing of an MoU for the country’s first polar research vessel.
  • The vessel, supported by Kongsberg’s design expertise, will aid India’s polar and marine research under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
  • Minister Sonowal also held talks with Japan to boost shipyard collaboration and explore joint ventures with major Japanese shipbuilders.
  • The visit highlighted India’s focus on strengthening maritime partnerships and promoting scientific and industrial growth.

During an official visit to Norway aligned with Nor-Shipping 2025, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, held a series of meetings focused on enhancing maritime cooperation. Highlighting that Indian shipyards currently handle 11% of the association’s order book, he pointed to initiatives such as the shipbreaking credit note scheme as key opportunities. The visit also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited and Kongsberg Maritime.

Improving Maritime Partnerships and Polar Research

As part of the visit, a key milestone was marked with the signing of an agreement between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited and Kongsberg Maritime for the design and construction of India’s first polar research vessel. The vessel, intended to support the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, will contribute to studies on climate change, marine ecosystems, and polar environments. Kongsberg will provide design expertise, aligning with India’s broader goal of boosting domestic shipbuilding under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. According to local reports, the vessel will feature advanced technologies, positioning it as a significant step forward in India’s maritime research capabilities.

In a separate engagement, Minister Sonowal met with Japan’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Terada Yoshimichi, to explore ways to enhance maritime collaboration between the two countries. The discussions included a review of ongoing talks about potential partnerships between Indian and Japanese shipyards. Sonowal reiterated India’s interest in joint ventures with Japanese companies such as Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, emphasizing opportunities for shared growth and technical cooperation.

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Source: SAFETY4SEA