India’s First-Ever Polar Research Vehicle (PRV)

Recently, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), a Government of India undertaking, signed an MoU with Norwegian firm Kongsberg to co-design and build India’s first-ever polar research vehicle (PRV) indigenously.

India’s First-Ever Polar Research Vehicle (PRV)

A PRV is a ship which serves a platform for research in the polar regions (areas surrounding the North and South Poles).
- It can also help scientists undertake research in the ocean realm.

Dakshin Gangotri in Antarctica

It was set up in 1983, two years after India’s first expedition there.
Dakshin Gangotri is now submerged under ice, but India’s two other stations, Maitri and Bharti, are in use.
It is governed by the Antarctic Treaty.
- India, which joined the treaty in 1983, is also a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty.

Feature: The PRV will be equipped with scientific instruments for deep-sea and polar research, including the study of marine ecosystems.
Nodal Agency: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the nodal agency responsible for the planning and execution of research expeditions to the Arctic, the Antarctic and the Himalayas.
Strategic Importance: The PRV will support India’s operations at its three polar research bases — Bharati and Maitri (Antarctica), and Himadri (Arctic).
- The ship will be tailored to meet the requirements of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
- GRSE will construct the PRV at its shipyard in Kolkata, enhancing India’s shipbuilding capabilities (contribute to Make In India Initiative).

Global Polar Research Vessels

Norway’s RV Kronprins Haakon (2018): It can break 1m-thick ice and is equipped with advanced sensors and robotics.
Russia’s Akademik Tryoshnikov (2012): It is a heavy-duty Arctic vessel used for long missions and hydroacoustic studies.
USA’s RV Sikuliaq (2014): This PRV breaks up to 0.76m ice and is designed for dynamic, multidisciplinary research.
China’s Xue Long 2 (2019): It is a bi-directional icebreaker (1.5m thick ice) with high-end research and logistics capability.

Maritime Initiatives of India

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Initiative: SAGAR focuses on Economic cooperation, Regional security, Environmental protection, Disaster management and Information sharing.
MAHASAGAR: MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) was announced as an expansion of SAGAR for deeper regional integration.
Sagarmala 2.0: India’s new maritime infrastructure programme to: Bridge port and logistics gaps, Promote shipbuilding, repair, and recycling, Position India as a global maritime leader.

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