DNV : Strengthening India-Norway Maritime Ties at Nor-Shipping 2025
OSLO : Nor-Shipping 2025 provided a pivotal platform for DNV to reinforce its longstanding partnership with India and explore new avenues for collaboration in the country’s rapidly evolving maritime landscape. The event saw key engagements and strategic announcements that underscored DNV’s commitment to supporting India’s maritime ambitions.
During the week, DNV Group President and CEO Remi Eriksen joined a high-level roundtable discussion hosted by the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association with India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The discussion focused on deepening cooperation between DNV and India in support of the country’s Maritime India Vision and Make in India programme.
This was followed by the signing of a newbuilding classification agreement between DNV and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) for four additional 7,500 dwt multi-purpose vessels ordered by German shipowner Carsten Rehder. Designed by Smart Engineering & Design Solutions (SEDS), the 120-meter vessels will feature hybrid propulsion systems and incorporate the latest cybersecurity standards. Once delivered, these vessels will be capable of carrying bulk, general, and project cargo, including wind turbine blades and containers.
In another highlight, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and DNV signed a wide-ranging Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate across shipbuilding, port infrastructure, smart industrial solutions, ESG and risk services, as well as digital platforms and cybersecurity. Minister Sonowal, who witnessed the signing, called it a major step in India’s maritime transformation and a boost for Make in India. He also highlighted the broader collaboration between India and Norway on green shipping corridors, ship recycling, decarbonization, offshore wind, and low-emission port development, supported by frameworks such as Sagarmala and the India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy.
Nor-Shipping also presented an excellent opportunity for DNV to engage with participating Indian shipyards and explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in advancing green newbuilds and future-ready maritime technologies. Uday Ganivada, Country Manager – India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh, Maritime at DNV, joined a panel discussion at the India Forum where he addressed key challenges to port sustainability and proposed strategic solutions to accelerate the greening of India’s port infrastructure.
Antony DSouza, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Maritime at DNV said: “India’s maritime sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with decarbonization and sustainability at the forefront. We are proud to support this transition by partnering on innovative newbuild projects and bringing our global expertise in decarbonization and digitalization to the local context. Our engagement and leading conversations at Nor-Shipping 2025 reaffirm DNV’s commitment to partnering with Indian stakeholders across the value chain and supporting India’s push toward sustainable and resilient growth in the maritime blue economy.”
DNV’s relationship with India spans over five decades, beginning with the establishment of its first
survey station in Mumbai in 1971. Today, with offices in 10 cities and a team of 950 professionals,
India is a vital part of DNV’s global operations. By aligning our global expertise with India’s
ambitions, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of the country’s
maritime future
