The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), a prominent international classification society, has formalized a strategic partnership with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE). The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on March 2, 2024, in the presence of key figures, Mr. Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRS, and Commodore P. R. Hari (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE.
Under this MOU, IRS will play a pivotal role in offering guidance and expertise to GRSE for the development of autonomous and green energy vessels. The collaboration is designed to ensure that vessels conceptualized and constructed by GRSE adhere to the dynamic safety standards, rule requirements, design specifications, and mandatory compliances for autonomous and green energy vessels. Leveraging the insights and recommendations from IRS, GRSE aims to guarantee that the vessels are not only cutting-edge but also align with the latest industry standards.
In acknowledgment of this partnership, Mr. Arun Sharma presented Commodore P.R. Hari (Retd.) with a product certificate for their ‘AI-enabled NDT- Intelligent Weld Inspector.’ This acknowledgment underscores the commitment to recognizing and rewarding advancements in technology and safety within the maritime sector.
Commodore P.R. Hari (Retd.) expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Taking cognizance of the changing technology landscape, GRSE, while continuing its focus on conventional shipbuilding, has created a separate vertical for autonomous vessels and green shipping. The MOU with IRS will facilitate this foray into the new technology arena, while further cementing the long-standing relationship that GRSE shares with IRS.”
Mr. Arun Sharma emphasized the broader industry impact of the partnership, stating, “The collaboration with GRSE emphasizes our commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector. Our objective is to combine our expertise with GRSE’s capabilities to develop autonomous and green vessels aligned with the industry’s changing needs and environmental targets.”
This partnership not only signifies a strategic alignment between two industry leaders but also showcases a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of maritime technology. As the maritime industry evolves, embracing autonomous and green energy solutions becomes crucial for meeting environmental goals and enhancing operational efficiency.
The IRS and GRSE collaboration sets the stage for developments in vessel design and construction. With a focus on compliance with the latest industry standards, this partnership is poised to contribute significantly to the advancement of autonomous and environmentally friendly shipping.
