The Maharashtra government has approved a comprehensive policy to promote shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship recycling, marking a major push to develop the state’s maritime infrastructure.
The Maharashtra Shipbuilding, Ship Repair, and Ship Recycling Facility Development Policy 2025 was cleared in the last cabinet meeting, with a formal Government Resolution (GR) issued on Friday. The policy aims to attract new maritime projects, generate employment, and contribute to the central government’s foreign exchange earnings. It complements the Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy 2023, which focuses on small ports, by offering targeted support for shipbuilding-related industries. With Maharashtra’s strategic location on India’s west coast, the government sees strong potential in building new vessels, servicing existing fleets, and recycling decommissioned ships in an organised and sustainable manner.
Private sector involvement is a core part of the policy, with incentives designed to spur infrastructure development. The policy introduces three development models — maritime shipyard clusters, standalone shipyards, and shipyard projects at ports — all encouraging specialised facilities and industrial collaboration. To support this growth, the policy provides capital subsidies of 15 per cent of project costs, released in four instalments aligned with project milestones. Additional assistance of up to Rs 5 crore will be available for setting up skill development centres and modern facilities for shipbuilding and recycling. Private entities investing in training or upskilling workers will also receive annual support of up to Rs 1 crore or 50 per cent of incurred costs, whichever is lower.
The state targets contributing one-third to India’s national goals under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. By encouraging small and medium enterprises, enabling research and innovation, and expanding cargo handling capabilities, Maharashtra hopes to position itself as a leader in maritime growth. Officials believe this policy will strengthen India’s shipbuilding ecosystem, reduce foreign exchange outflow, and expand the country’s presence in global maritime trade.
