India to Build First Polar Research Vessel in Kolkata with Norway Aid

05 Jun 2025 CW Team

India is poised to enhance its polar and ocean research capabilities by building its first polar research vessel (PRV). A significant step towards this was taken when Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Oslo on Tuesday to facilitate the construction of the vessel.

GRSE, which has prior experience in building complex maritime platforms such as warships and survey vessels, will construct the PRV at its shipyard in Kolkata. This partnership represents a major milestone for India’s shipbuilding industry. GRSE will benefit from design expertise provided by Kongsberg, while the Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research will utilize the domestically built vessel for scientific research in polar and southern ocean regions.

Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s minister of ports, shipping, and waterways, stated in a press release that the vessel would be outfitted with state-of-the-art scientific equipment, enabling researchers to explore ocean depths, study marine ecosystems, and gain new insights into the planet’s history and future. Sonowal, who was present at the MoU signing ceremony in Oslo, is currently on a five-day official visit to Norway to participate in the Nor-Shipping maritime trade fair and also plans to visit Denmark to strengthen India’s maritime ties with global maritime leaders.

Sonowal also sought Norway’s cooperation in initiatives such as green shipping corridors, ship recycling, and adherence to International Maritime Organization (IMO)-aligned net-zero goals. He noted that 87% of Indian ship recycling yards comply with the Hong Kong international convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..