Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is collaborating with France to build two new research vessels, named National Research Vessels (Krisna) to support marine exploration across the Indonesian archipelago.BRIN Head Arif Satria, after the signing of the Krisna development contract in Jakarta on Thursday, said research vessels play a fundamental role in maritime research and innovation, as they serve 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 advanced multidisciplinary research vessels, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), and a contribution from the European Union,” he said.Krisna will be built by renowned French shipbuilding company named Piriou.According to Satria, the two vessles to be built comprises a coastal research vessel and an ocean-going research vessel.The cooperation, says Satria, also covers research capacity development, including technical assistance.”Both research vessels will provide opportunities for Indonesian researchers to conduct intensive marine scientific research in coastal and deep sea environments,” he said, adding that the large scale investment project would make a significant contribution by providing essential data and information for national priority sectors.Meanwhile, AFD Country Director Yann Martres said the cooperation marked a very important milestone for Indonesia and France.According to Martres, AFD will provide the financing and develop cooperation as well as enhance BRIN's capacity to conduct research in the maritime sector.He believes both vessels will have outstanding work for BRIN and Indonesia later.