Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has entered into a strategic partnership with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) to advance large vessel construction in India, reinforcing the country’s vision under Atmanirbhar Bharat to become a global shipbuilding hub. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the “Samudra se Samriddhi – Transforming India’s Maritime Sector” event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, underlining India’s push for sustainable maritime growth.
The collaboration will leverage CSL’s newly inaugurated 310-metre dry dock, designed to accommodate the construction of Suezmax tankers, container ships, and Capesize bulk carriers. With the capacity to build up to six vessels annually, the facility marks a significant upgrade in India’s maritime infrastructure. To support this initiative, CSL is also planning an 80-acre Block Fabrication Facility in Kochi with an annual fabrication capacity of 1,20,000 metric tonnes. The project, estimated at ₹3,700 crore, is expected to generate around 2,000 direct jobs along with additional indirect employment across logistics, MSMEs, and supply chains. The MoU further envisages joint shipbuilding projects at CSL’s existing facilities during the transitional phase while exploring opportunities for greenfield shipyards, emerging business areas, and skill development programs aimed at creating a highly qualified maritime workforce. Experts in the industry note that this collaboration could significantly strengthen India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance the sector’s export potential.
In a parallel development, CSL signed a second MoU with the Tamil Nadu government’s investment promotion agency, Guidance, to evaluate a greenfield shipyard project in the state. The proposed investment of approximately ₹15,000 crore is expected to create nearly 10,000 jobs, including 4,000 direct and 6,000 indirect positions, while incorporating a modern ship repair facility. Officials highlighted that these measures align with the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed at positioning India as a premier maritime manufacturing and logistics hub. Maritime analysts emphasise that India’s growing focus on sustainable shipbuilding, including modern eco-friendly vessel construction practices, could further attract international collaboration and investment. The projects are expected to promote gender-neutral employment opportunities in skilled technical roles, while embedding sustainable and climate-resilient practices in the design, production, and repair of vessels.
Officials involved in the agreements noted that the partnership with HD KSOE and the Tamil Nadu MoU will collectively enhance India’s maritime infrastructure, create employment, boost ancillary industries, and support the nation’s strategic ambitions for blue economy growth. These developments are poised to strengthen India’s position in global shipping and logistics, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable and equitable industrial expansion.
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