Indonesia, France Deepen Maritime Research Partnership with New Research Vessels

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is set to expand its ocean research capacity with the construction of two modern scientific research vessels, following a landmark contract signed between Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and French shipbuilder PIRIOU.

BRIN and PIRIOU have signed a contract for the construction of the vessels under the National Research Vessel (KRisNa) project, according to a statement from the French Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

The initiative is part of a broader strategic partnership involving Indonesia, France, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Union to enhance Indonesia’s capacity for marine scientific research.

The selection of PIRIOU followed an open international tender process involving 12 bidders, marking a key milestone in the implementation of the KRisNa project.

French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone described the agreement as a tangible achievement in bilateral maritime cooperation between the two countries. He noted that France, which possesses the world's second-largest maritime territory, has extensive expertise in marine research, particularly across the Indo-Pacific region.

European Union Ambassador to Indonesia Denis Chaibi said European expertise and French-designed research vessels would help strengthen Indonesia’s marine research capabilities and improve scientific understanding of the oceans.

AFD Country Director Yann Martres emphasized that sustainable ocean management remains one of the agency’s priorities in Indonesia. He described the contract signing as a landmark achievement in cooperation between BRIN and AFD and welcomed PIRIOU’s selection as the main partner for the project.

PIRIOU President Vincent Faujour said the company was honored by BRIN’s trust and proud to contribute to the strategic program alongside Indonesia and AFD. He noted that the project demonstrates PIRIOU’s expertise in building complex research vessels and supporting international maritime initiatives that contribute to national sovereignty.

BRIN Chairman Arif Satria said Indonesia’s strategic position as a maritime nation makes it a key player in marine biodiversity, global connectivity, ocean resources, and climate dynamics. He stressed that such potential must be supported by strong research infrastructure to be transformed into national advantages.

“Data and information generated by modern research vessels are essential for supporting maritime policymaking, natural resource management, environmental protection, and marine technology development,” Arif said, as quoted by Antara.

The KRisNa project originated from a commitment between the Indonesian government and AFD established in 2021. It includes the procurement of two modern vessels: an ocean-going research vessel capable of conducting deep-sea studies and a coastal research vessel designed for work in shallow waters and nearshore environments.

The new fleet is expected to become a strategic pillar of Indonesia’s research and innovation ecosystem, supporting sustainable and inclusive use of marine resources while advancing national priorities in energy, food security, and maritime development. ***