Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), a prominent Indian shipbuilder, has made significant strides in expanding its global footprint and advancing India's maritime ambitions. The company recently announced two major developments that underscore its commitment to innovation and international collaboration in the shipbuilding sector.

Strategic Partnerships to Support Maritime Vision 2047

GRSE has signed five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with strategic partners across the shipbuilding, port, and infrastructure sectors. These partnerships are aimed at supporting India's maritime ambitions under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 initiative. The MoUs were signed with:

1. Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla
2. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority, Kolkata
3. Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited
4. The Shipping Corporation of India
5. Modest Infrastructure Private Limited

These collaborations are expected to create a structured framework for GRSE and its partners to explore and jointly develop projects across multiple domains. The scope includes newbuild construction (including green and low-emission vessels), ship repair, construction of green tugs, development and maintenance of port infrastructure, and related civil, rail, and ropeway infrastructure for ports and terminals.

€62.44 Million Contract for Hybrid Multi-Purpose Vessels

In a separate development, GRSE has secured a significant international contract worth €62.44 million (approximately ₹519.00 crore) with Germany's Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Reederei GmbH & Co. KG. The contract, signed in Hamburg, Germany, is for the construction of four Hybrid Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs).

Key details of the contract include:

• The agreement is an extension of the ongoing 7,500 DWT Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) project currently under execution in Kolkata.
• The contract includes a provision for additional two vessels of the hybrid propulsion type.
• The MPVs will incorporate state-of-the-art battery-assisted hybrid propulsion systems, enhancing fuel efficiency and aligning with International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonization goals.
• Each vessel will be 120 meters long and 17 meters wide, with a maximum draft of 6.75 meters.
• The ships are designed to carry 7,500 metric tonnes of cargo in a single large cargo hold, capable of accommodating bulk, general, and project cargoes.
• A unique feature is the ability to transport multiple large windmill blades on deck, catering to the growing renewable energy logistics sector.

Expanding Global Footprint

This contract marks GRSE's expanding presence in the commercial and green shipbuilding sectors. The MPV program began with an initial contract for four vessels and has since grown to include eight vessels through subsequent agreements.

Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding) at GRSE, signed the contract with Mr. Thomas Rehder, Managing Director of Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Reederei GmbH & Co. KG, highlighting the spirit of long-term partnership between the two organizations.

These developments represent significant steps for GRSE in reinforcing India's "Make in India, Make for World" vision in the global shipbuilding industry. As the company continues to expand its capabilities and international collaborations, it is poised to play a crucial role in advancing India's maritime sector and contributing to the nation's economic growth.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has taken a significant step forward in its global shipbuilding endeavors by signing a contract with Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Reederei GmbH & Co. KG, a German company, for the construction of four Hybrid Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs). The deal, valued at USD 62.44 million, was inked on September 19, 2025, in Hamburg, Germany.

Contract Details

The contract encompasses the construction of four Hybrid MPVs, with a provision for an additional two vessels. These state-of-the-art ships will feature:

• Length: 120 meters
• Width: 17 meters
• Maximum draft: 6.75 meters
• Cargo capacity: 7,500 metric tonnes in a single large cargo hold
• Flexible cargo handling capabilities for bulk, general, and project cargoes
• Ability to carry containers on hatch covers
• Unique design to transport multiple large windmill blades on deck

Advanced Technology and Sustainability

The newly contracted Hybrid MPVs will incorporate:

• Battery-assisted hybrid propulsion systems
• Enhanced fuel efficiency
• Alignment with International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonization goals

These features underscore GRSE's commitment to green shipbuilding and sustainable maritime solutions.

Project Timeline and Scope

The project is scheduled for completion within 33 to 42 months from the contract's effective date. This agreement builds upon GRSE's existing partnership with Carsten Rehder, following their ongoing 7,500 DWT Multi-Purpose Vessel project currently under execution in Kolkata.

Strategic Importance

Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding) at GRSE, and Mr. Thomas Rehder, Managing Director of Carsten Rehder, signed the contract in the presence of senior officials from both organizations. This deal reinforces GRSE's commitment to the 'Make in India, Make for World' vision and expands the company's global footprint in commercial and green shipbuilding.

GRSE's Growing International Presence

The MPV program with Carsten Rehder has seen steady growth:

• Initial contract for four vessels signed in June 2024
• Subsequent agreements in September 2024, December 2024, and March 2025, bringing the total to eight vessels
• Steel cutting for the CORAL 7500 DWT MPV series commenced on April 17, 2025

This latest contract further cements GRSE's position in the international commercial vessel segment and showcases its capabilities in constructing advanced, environmentally-friendly ships for the global market.

As GRSE continues to expand its international portfolio, this contract marks another milestone in the company's journey towards becoming a global leader in shipbuilding, particularly in the realm of sustainable maritime solutions.