BRIN Partners with France to Build Two New 'Krisna' Research Vessels

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is partnering with France to build two new national research vessels, named Kapal Riset Nasional (Krisna), to support the exploration of the Indonesian archipelago. BRIN Head Arif Satria stated during the Krisna Construction Contract Signing in Jakarta on Thursday that research vessels play a fundamental role in maritime research and innovation, serving as mobile scientific laboratories that enable data collection, technology testing, and direct observation of the marine environment. “The Krisna project is Indonesia’s flagship initiative to strengthen its marine research capacity through the procurement of two cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research vessels, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) with a contribution from the European Union,” he said. Arif explained that the two vessels to be built include a coastal research vessel and an ocean-going research vessel. He added that the cooperation also includes research capacity building, including technical assistance. “These two research vessels will provide opportunities for Indonesian researchers to carry out intensive marine scientific research in both coastal and deep-sea environments,” he stated. Arif expressed hope that this large-scale investment project would make significant contributions, such as providing crucial data and information for national priority sectors. AFD Country Director Yann Martres noted that this cooperation is a very important milestone for both parties. “We will prepare the financing, but the most important thing is to develop cooperation and enhance BRIN’s capacity to conduct research in the maritime sector,” he said. “We hope to see these two vessels at sea doing outstanding work for BRIN and Indonesia,” Yann Martres concluded. It is understood that both vessels will also be built at the renowned French shipyard company, Piriou.