New Delhi, June 3 -- In a major boost to India's capabilities in polar and ocean research, the country is set to build its first polar research vessel (PRV). Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) and Norway-based Kongsberg signed a memorandum of understanding in Oslo on Tuesday paving the way for India to build the vehicle.

GRSE, which has experience in constructing complex maritime platforms such as warships, and survey vessels, will build this PRV in its yard in Kolkata.

The partnership marks an important milestone for India's shipbuilding sector. While GRSE will receive design expertise for developing the PRV, Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research will be able to use the indigenously built ...