How Does GRSE's First Export MPV for Germany Boost the 'Make in India, Make for World' Vision?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- GRSE lays keel for first MPV for Germany.
- Significant step towards global shipbuilding.
- Collaboration with renowned German firms.
- Capacity to carry 7,500 metric tonnes of cargo.
- Innovative features for enhanced cargo flexibility.
Kolkata, Oct 16 (NationPress) In a significant move that supports the government's Make in India, Make For the World agenda, the defence shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has laid the keel for the inaugural vessel of the Multipurpose Vessel (MPV) project intended for Germany's Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler and Reederei GmbH & Co. KG in Kolkata on Thursday.
This initiative represents GRSE's first substantial export contract for MPVs, showcasing the shipyard's growing presence in the global commercial shipbuilding sector.
Present at the event was Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), director of shipbuilding at GRSE, alongside the chief guest Jonas Meinhard, managing director of Carsten Rehder.
In a statement, GRSE remarked, “This milestone signifies the start of a vital partnership, merging innovation, accuracy, and skill to produce a modern range of high-performance Multipurpose Vessels within the CORAL 7500 DWT MPV series, a joint venture between GRSE and Carsten Rehder, Germany.”
The initial agreement for four vessels was finalized on June 22, 2024, followed by additional contracts increasing the total order to twelve vessels, with the final agreements for vessels nine through twelve signed on September 19, 2025.
Each MPV boasts an overall length of 120 metres and a beam of 17 metres, with a draught of 5.85 metres.
These vessels can transport 7,500 metric tonnes of cargo and feature a single expansive cargo hold designed for bulk, general, and project cargoes.
Notably, these vessels have the innovative ability to carry containers on hatch covers and accommodate multiple large windmill blades on deck, thus enhancing cargo handling flexibility.
This project is being developed in close partnership with German companies, including F.H. Bertling, ForestWave Navigation/Schulte & Bruns, and Delft Shipping. Technical design expertise is provided by M/s SEDS in collaboration with GRSE, and these vessels will receive certification from the classification society DNV.