Minister highlights India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has signed a deal for construction of additional four 7,500 DWT multi-purpose vessels in Oslo on 5 June.
The vessels, to have hybrid propulsion and adhering to the latest cyber security norms, will be built under a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) GRSE has signed with Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Rehder GmbH & Co. KG, Germany https://www.carstenrehder.de/ .
This deal is additional to an existing order of 8 such vessels which are currently being constructed at GRSE’s Kolkata yard.
GRSE has also signed MoUs with Aries Marine LLC from UAE on collaboration on “Construction of Offshore platforms and Vessels” and with a Global Engine Manufacturer https://www.bseindia.com/.
Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal, attended the signing ceremonies in Oslo, and led Indian maritime companies to explore opportunities for collaboration and future business at Nor-Shipping held 2-6 June.
During the Minister’s visit to the Norway pavilion, an MoU was signed between India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) group and Norway’s DNV covering multiple areas of collaboration. It includes shipbuilding, Offshore & Maritime and Expanding Port Infrastructure, Energy Systems, Industrial Solutions and Smart Infrastructure, Sustainability, ESG and Risk Services, Software, cyber security, platforms and digital solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “It is a privilege to join you here at the Norwegian Pavilion—an impressive showcase of maritime innovation, deep-rooted seafaring tradition, and forward-looking sustainability https://www.nseindia.com/.
“Norway has long been a valued partner of India. Our enduring collaboration is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to sustainable development.
“As two proud maritime nations with extensive coastlines and rich oceanic traditions, we understand that the future of the blue economy hinges not just on development—but on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. It gives me immense pleasure that many Indian companies are signing MoUs including those from Norway, further deepening our commitment to collaborate in maritime sector.”
Sonowal further added, “Our governments are also working closely on green shipping corridors, decarbonisation efforts, ship recycling, and capacity building.
“The India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy stands as a cornerstone of this deepening engagement. India’s maritime sector is undergoing a bold transformation https://shipmin.gov.in/.
“Through our flagship initiatives like Sagarmala, we are modernising port infrastructure, improving multimodal logistics, and enabling port-led industrial growth. A key pillar of this vision is the creation of Green Ports and the promotion of low-emission, energy-efficient coastal and inland shipping. Looking ahead, there is great potential for collaboration in offshore wind energy, maritime digitalisation, and sustainable port development https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
“Together, we can unlock not just bilateral opportunities, but also contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and secure Indo-Pacific maritime ecosystem https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.”
The Minister led business delegation of key maritime companies with participation from upcoming and MSME. Some of the companies from the delegation include L&T Shipbuilding, Yeoman Marine Services, Smart Engineering & Design Solutions (SEDS), Chowgule Shipbuilding Division, Goa Shipyard Limited, Mandovi Dockyards, Synergy Shipbuilders, Varya Tech Pvt Ltd, Marine Electricals, Buoyancy Consultants, Shoft Shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), & Swan Defence & Heavy Industries. fiinews.com
