The agreement, signed by Commodore Shantanu Bose (retd), director of shipbuilding at GRSE, and Carsten Thomas Rehder, managing director of the German shipping company, was witnessed by GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Commodore P R Hari (retd). The contract also includes an option to build an additional four vessels in the future.

The new vessels, each measuring 120 metres in length and 17 metres in width, are designed to carry 7,500 metric tonnes of cargo. They will feature a single cargo hold to accommodate bulk, general, and project cargoes, with provisions for carrying containers on hatch covers. Additionally, the ships are specially designed to transport large windmill blades on deck.

This latest contract highlights GRSE's ongoing efforts to expand its export footprint in the maritime sector. The Kolkata-based warship maker has previously delivered an offshore patrol vessel to Mauritius, a fast patrol vessel to Seychelles, and a passenger-cum-cargo ocean-going ferry to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Currently, GRSE is constructing six patrol boats and a dredger for Bangladesh.

The strategic partnership with Carsten Rehder underscores GRSE's commitment to enhancing its commercial shipbuilding capabilities while supporting international maritime logistics needs.