Indian maritime companies have successfully secured significant shipbuilding contracts and green technology partnerships at the Nor-Shipping event held in Oslo. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, attended the MoU signing ceremonies, where Indian firms collaborated with global industry leaders, exploring future business opportunities.
A Memorandum of Intent (MoI) was signed between Germany’s Carsten RehderSchiffsmakler und Rehder GmbH & Co KG and India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) to construct an additional four 7,500 DWT multi-purpose vessels. These new ships will feature hybrid propulsion systems and comply with the latest cybersecurity standards. This deal complements an existing order for eight such vessels currently being built at GRSE’s Kolkata shipyard. GRSE also entered into MoUs with UAE’s Aries Marine LLC for offshore platform and vessel construction and with a leading global engine manufacturer.
During the visit to the Norway pavilion, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) signed an MoU with Norway’s DNV to foster cooperation across several areas, including shipbuilding, offshore & maritime industries, port infrastructure development, energy systems, sustainability, and digital solutions. The agreement focuses on advancing ESG initiatives, cyber security, and industrial solutions.
Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal highlighted the deep maritime traditions of both India and Norway and emphasized the importance of sustainability in the blue economy. He stated, “Our long-standing relationship with Norway has been based on shared values and mutual respect. This growing collaboration, exemplified by the signing of MoUs, will strengthen our joint efforts to build a more sustainable maritime future.”
The Union Minister further outlined ongoing efforts between India and Norway to develop green shipping corridors, promote decarbonization, and support sustainable maritime initiatives. He highlighted the India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy as a key driver for collaborative projects. “India’s maritime sector is undergoing a bold transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with initiatives like Sagarmala modernizing port infrastructure and supporting energy-efficient coastal and inland shipping,” said Shri Sonowal.
Shri Sonowal emphasized the potential for further cooperation in offshore wind energy, maritime digitalization, and sustainable port development. He noted that these efforts could significantly contribute to the security and sustainability of the Indo-Pacific region’s maritime ecosystem.
The Union Minister is leading a business delegation that includes representatives from key maritime firms, including 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), and Swan Defence& Heavy Industries. These companies are exploring new opportunities for collaboration with global maritime industry players.
