AFD and Piriou, advancing oceanographic research in Indonesia

The France-Indonesian Year of Innovation 2026 is an opportunity to showcase the expertise of French shipyards. Requiring a state-of-the-art research vessel suited to both the high seas and deep waters, and another vessel for exploring coastal areas and shallow waters, the Indonesian agency turned to Piriou.

The contract was signed in Jakarta in June 2026, and covers the construction of two fully-equipped mobile laboratories. These vessels will be used to improve monitoring of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems and collect climate data, which will then inform Indonesia’s environmental conservation policy. To date, less than 19% of the country’s marine territory has been mapped. This research will be conducted in partnership with European institutes, and funded by the European Union.

Selected through an international call for tenders involving twelve bidders, Piriou will design and build the two vessels at its Vietnam site.  This contract demonstrates how solidarity-driven investment can meet the priority needs of partner countries, while leveraging the expertise and competitiveness of French companies.  It marks a major milestone for Piriou in the construction of complex research vessels and consolidates its position as a key player in the international maritime sector.

“We are honored by the trust placed in us by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency and are proud to be a part of this strategic program alongside the Indonesian authorities and AFD. This project is a testament to PIRIOU’s expertise in the design and build of complex scientific research vessels, and its capacity to support flagship marine programs around the world, while helping to secure the maritime sovereignty of nations,” said Vincent Faujour, President of PIRIOU.

Launched in 2021 by the Indonesian government and AFD, the KRisNa project encompasses sustainable financing, next-generation equipment, training, and partnerships with European research institutes. It is a concrete example of the Team Europe approach and the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which supports high-performance infrastructure, while capitalizing on European technologies and expertise.

This collaborative project is a direct result of the bilateral maritime dialogue between France and Indonesia. It will strengthen Indonesia’s capacity to sustainably manage its marine resources and advance its climate, food, energy and maritime priorities, while benefiting the planet as a whole.