Indian Shipbuilders Secure Global Orders, Forge Green Alliances at Oslo Maritime Expo

by R. Suryamurthy June 6, 2025

By R. Suryamurthy June 6, 2025 0 comments 2 minutes read

PHOTO: PIB

Indian maritime companies have secured new shipbuilding contracts and forged green technology and knowledge partnerships with global players at the Nor-Shipping exhibition in Oslo, underscoring India’s growing presence in the global maritime sector.

India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who attended the signing ceremonies, said the collaborations would boost the government’s “Make in India” initiative. “India’s maritime prowess soars, global collaborations give thrust to Make in India,” Sonowal said in a statement.

Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) with Germany’s Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Rehder GmbH & Co. KG for the construction of an additional four 7,500 DWT multi-purpose vessels. These vessels will feature hybrid propulsion and adhere to the latest cybersecurity standards, adding to an existing order of eight similar vessels.

GRSE also inked strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Aries Marine LLC for collaboration on “Construction of Offshore platforms and Vessels,” and with an unnamed global engine manufacturer.

Separately, Indian conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) group signed an MoU with Norway’s DNV. The agreement covers multiple areas including shipbuilding, offshore & maritime, port infrastructure expansion, energy systems, industrial solutions, smart infrastructure, sustainability, ESG and risk services, software, cybersecurity, platforms, and digital solutions.

Sonowal highlighted the potential for deeper cooperation between India and Norway in areas such as offshore wind energy, maritime digitalization, and sustainable port development.

“Our governments are also working closely on green shipping corridors, decarbonization efforts, ship recycling, and capacity building,” Sonowal said, adding that the India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy was a “cornerstone” of this engagement.

The Minister is leading a business delegation of key Indian maritime companies at Nor-Shipping, including representatives from L&T Shipbuilding, Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), and other shipyards and maritime service providers.