The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), India's ship classification society, has signed an agreement with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, to oversee the construction of a new ocean research vessel (ORV). This vessel, which will be built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, marks a significant step forward in bolstering India's maritime research capabilities.

The agreement was signed by Devrup Kabi, Head of Ship Building Project Management, IRS, and M. M. Subramaniam, Scientist in Charge of Vessel Operation and Management, NCPOR. Kabi expressed excitement about contributing IRS?s extensive expertise in survey vessel operations to this groundbreaking project, emphasizing that their deep technical knowledge will be crucial to the successful construction of the ORV.

This collaboration underscores the combined expertise of IRS and NCPOR in advancing scientific research and exploration in the marine environment. The new ORV is expected to significantly enhance India's oceanographic research and data collection capabilities, aligning with the country's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The IRS, an international ship classification society, provides ship classification, certification, and technical inspection services. It is also a member of the London-based International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

(ET)