France and Indonesia Deepen Scientific Cooperation Through Landmark Marine Research Vessel Project

Jakarta, June 17, 2026. Indonesia has officially entered a new chapter in the field of marine scientific research, as the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) signed a contract for the construction of two research vessels with the French shipyard PIRIOU. The contract signing marks the realization of the KRisNa (Kapal Riset Nasional/National Research Vessel) Project—a strategic cooperation between the Government of Indonesia, the Government of France through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the European Union to strengthen marine scientific research capacity in Indonesia. The selection of the Piriou shipyard was conducted through an open international tender process participated by 12 bidders.

The KRisNa Project originated from a commitment between the Government of Indonesia and AFD, agreed upon since 2021. Through this funding scheme, Indonesia will procure two modern research vessels: one ocean-going research vessel with deep-sea research capabilities, and one coastal research vessel to support research in coastal areas and shallow waters. These two modern research vessels will strengthen Indonesia's marine research capacity in both coastal and deep-sea environments. This new fleet of research vessels constitutes a strategic infrastructure that will serve as the backbone of research and innovation in efforts to utilize marine resources inclusively and sustainably, in order to support national priorities in the energy, food, and maritime sectors.

Chairman of BRIN, Arif Satria, stated that Indonesia holds a strategic position as a maritime nation that plays a vital role in marine biodiversity, global connectivity, marine resources, and global climate dynamics. He believes this potential needs to be supported by adequate research capacity to transform it into a national advantage.

Arif revealed that to date, less than 19 percent of Indonesia's marine territory has been mapped, while the actual exploration of the ocean is still much smaller. He emphasized that research vessels are strategic infrastructure for the development of marine science. Research vessels function as mobile scientific laboratories, enabling researchers to collect data, test technology, and directly observe ocean conditions.

"The data and information generated by modern research vessels is crucial to support maritime policy formulation, natural resource management, environmental protection, and the development of marine technology," Arif said.

For H.E Fabien Penone, Ambassador of France to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN “this contract between the French shipyard Piriou and BRIN for the design and construction of two research vessels marks a tangible achievement of our bilateral maritime dialogue. As a nation with the world’s second-largest maritime territory, France brings significant expertise in ocean research, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Signing this contract is very meaningful as part of the France-Indonesia Year of Innovation 2026. France and Indonesia are strengthening their scientific cooperation in line with the guidelines set out in the Paris Declaration on Education, Research and Mobility adopted by President Emmanuel Macron and President Prabowo Subianto on 28 May 2026”

H.E. Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Indonesia, said he is proud of the European-Indonesian collaboration in the maritime sector through the KRisNa Project. European expertise and French-designed research vessels will help advance Indonesia’s maritime research capabilities and strengthen scientific knowledge of the oceans.

This partnership is a concrete example of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, delivering on Indonesian priorities with European technology and sustainable financing for high-quality and resilient infrastructure. It also showcases the world-class capabilities and competitiveness of European maritime industries.

Mr. Yann Martres, AFD Country Director emphasized that “sustainable ocean management is a top priority for AFD in Indonesia. Today’s contract signing marks a significant milestone in the cooperation between BRIN and AFD, and I am delighted to welcome the French shipyard Piriou as a key partner in this journey.

The new research vessels will be a vital asset for Indonesia, enhancing its capabilities in ocean biodiversity observation, coastal ecosystem studies, and climate data collection. Thanks to the Team Europe approach, Indonesian researchers will not only benefit from these state-of-the-art vessels but also from training programs and partnerships with leading European research institutes. Together, we will maximize the project’s impact and advance our shared goals for ocean sustainability.”

Vincent Faujour, President of PIRIOU, emphasised that PIRIOU is honored by the trust placed in PIRIOU by BRIN and proud to contribute to this strategic program alongside the Indonesian authorities and the AFD. This project illustrates PIRIOU's expertise in the construction of complex scientific vessels and our ability to support leading international maritime programs, contributing to the sovereignty of states.

About BRIN

Based on Presidential Regulation Number 78 of 2021, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is a government agency under and responsible to the President for conducting research, development, assessment, and implementation, as well as invention and innovation, nuclear energy management, and integrated space management. This agency integrates all research resources (human resources, infrastructure, and budget) from various ministries and government agencies into a single, integrated ecosystem.

About the EU

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 Member States. Together, the EU has built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development while maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedom. The EU is the world’s largest trading bloc, and the world’s largest source and destination of foreign direct investment.
The 27 Member States of the EU are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.
For more information about the EU and its relations and cooperation with Indonesia, access: http://eeas.europa.eu/indonesia

About AFD Group

AFD Group contributes to the implementation of France’s policies for sustainable development and international solidarity. The Group includes Agence française de développement (AFD), which finances the public sector, NGOs, research and training; its subsidiary Proparco, which is dedicated to the private sector; and Expertise France, a technical cooperation agency. The Group finances, supports and accelerates the transitions needed for a fairer, more resilient world.
With our partners, we are building shared solutions with and for the people in more than 150 countries, as well as in 11 French Overseas Departments and Territories. As part of the commitment of France and the French people to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, our teams are at work on 4,200 projects in the field. Our objective is to reconcile economic development with the preservation of common goods, from peace, the climate and biodiversity to health, education and gender equality. Towards a world in common.

AFD started its operations in Indonesia in 2007 with a mandate focusing on the fight against climate change. A strong emphasis has also been put on the sustainable management of
Indonesian natural resources, in particular of its marine resources. Since the beginning of its operations in the country, AFD has mobilised more than EUR 3.5 billion of financing in Indonesia, aiming at contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to preserve common goods.
For more information about AFD Group: www.afd.fr/en.

About Piriou

PIRIOU is France’s leading independent shipbuilding and ship repair group. Since 1965, PIRIOU has designed and built high value-added vessels through its integrated engineering capabilities and industrial facilities located in Europe, Africa and Asia, including PIRIOU Vietnam, which will be responsible for the construction of BRIN’s vessels.
With nearly 600 vessels built and delivered worldwide, PIRIOU supports both public and private customers with tailored solutions for maritime sovereignty, defence, scientific research and maritime services. The Group benefits from recognized references in the field of hydrographic and oceanographic vessels, including the BHO2M delivered to the Royal Moroccan Navy.
PIRIOU currently employs more than 1,400 people worldwide and generates annual revenues of €380 million. www.piriou.com/en/

About Global Gateway

Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, Team Europe has mobilised more than €300 billion in public and private investments over the last four years, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.