India Signs Key Maritime Deals at Nor-Shipping, Eyes Global Shipbuilding Growth
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New Delhi: India signed multiple international agreements and partnerships at the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo, Norway, marking its first-ever participation at one of the world’s biggest maritime exhibitions.
The deals focused on shipbuilding, green technology, digital ports, and scientific collaboration, strengthening India’s push to become a global maritime power.
“This is a step towards making India a trusted, sustainable hub for shipbuilding and maritime innovation,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, who led the Indian delegation.
India’s presence was marked by a dedicated pavilion and a high-level delegation including officials from central and state governments, top shipyards, and maritime startups. This participation in the event, from June 2 to June 6, comes as India aims to be among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
At the event, India’s shipyards signed several agreements with firms from Norway, Germany, and the UAE. These included new orders for cargo ships with hybrid technology, and cooperation on offshore platforms and clean engines. India also partnered with Norway on green fuels, port infrastructure, and maritime software.
“This shows the world is recognising India’s growing capacity to build complex vessels and lead in green shipping,” Sonowal said.
India also proposed joint work with Norway to explore the Northern Sea Route — an Arctic shipping path that can reduce travel time between Europe and Asia. The two countries discussed cooperation on electric ferries, hydrogen-powered vessels, ship recycling, and maritime training.
India also signed an agreement with Norwegian maritime technology firm, Kongsberg, to build its first-ever Polar Research Vessel — a step towards advancing ocean and climate research with indigenous capabilities.
“Our partnership with Norway is rooted in shared values and a common goal: a cleaner, safer maritime future,” said Sonowal.
India’s focus on green maritime growth was evident throughout the visit. The country is building three green hydrogen hubs at major ports and pushing for low-emission coastal shipping. It also highlighted its compliance with international standards for ship recycling, especially at the Alang yard in Gujarat.
At the India Pavilion, jointly inaugurated by Sonowal and the Crown Prince of Norway, India showcased its shipbuilding progress and a model of the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat. The Crown Prince also confirmed his visit to India later this year with a business delegation.
At the event, the Indian delegation highlighted its pool of over 1.5 lakh trained seafarers and called for deeper partnerships to enhance employment opportunities with global shipping companies. During the visit, Sonowal also paid homage to 86 Indian sailors who served during World War II.
India now looks to carry forward this momentum at the India Maritime Week 2025, to be held in Mumbai later this year, where it will showcase its shipbuilding strength and seek more global partnerships.