GRSE Lays Keel for Fourth German Export Vessel, Reinforcing India's Global Shipbuilding Push
Kolkata, May 30, 2026: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has achieved another significant milestone in its international shipbuilding programme by laying the keel of the fourth vessel under the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) project for Germany-based Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler and Reederei GmbH & Co. KG.
The development marks steady progress in GRSE's largest-ever commercial shipbuilding export order and further strengthens the shipyard's position in the global maritime market. The project is a key example of India's "Make in India, Make for the World" initiative, showcasing the country's growing expertise in building advanced commercial vessels for international customers.
The keel-laying ceremony was attended by Shri M. Venkatesh Murthy, Executive Director (Commercial Shipbuilding & Supply Chain Management), GRSE, alongside senior officials from the shipyard, representatives of the German shipping company, and officials from international classification society DNV.
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12-Vessel German Order Highlights Growing Export Momentum
The MPV project involves the design and construction of a series of advanced CORAL 7500 DWT Multi-Purpose Vessels jointly developed by GRSE and Carsten Rehder. The partnership began with a contract for four vessels in 2024 and has since expanded to twelve vessels, reflecting growing confidence in GRSE's shipbuilding capabilities.
The final contracts covering the ninth to twelfth hybrid-propulsion vessels were signed in September 2025, making the programme one of the most significant commercial export projects undertaken by an Indian shipyard.
Designed for Versatility and Future Cargo Requirements
Each vessel in the series will measure 120 metres in length, feature a beam of 17 metres and a draught of 5.85 metres. The ships will be capable of carrying up to 7,500 metric tonnes of cargo and are designed to support a wide range of commercial operations.
The vessels feature spacious cargo holds suitable for bulk cargo, general cargo and project cargo. Their flexible design also allows containers to be carried on hatch covers and multiple wind turbine blades to be transported on deck, supporting the growing demand from renewable energy and specialized logistics sectors.
Global Collaboration Powers Advanced Vessel Construction
The project is being executed in collaboration with several leading German maritime firms, including F.H. Bertling, ForestWave Navigation/Schulte & Bruns, and Delft Shipping. Technical design support has been provided by SEDS in association with GRSE, while DNV will oversee vessel classification and certification.
Boost for India's Maritime Manufacturing Ambitions
The successful execution of the MPV programme underscores GRSE's strategic focus on expanding its commercial shipbuilding portfolio beyond defence projects. As construction progresses across the vessel series, the project is expected to further enhance India's standing in the global shipbuilding industry and strengthen GRSE's credentials as a reliable partner for international maritime customers.