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By Admin

24 Sep, 2025

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has taken another bold step toward strengthening India’s shipbuilding sector and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. On 20th September 2025, during the landmark event “Samudra se Samriddhi – Transforming India’s Maritime Sector” inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bhavnagar, Gujarat, CSL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE).

A Landmark Partnership

The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, Jung Changin (Senior Vice President, Hyundai), and Madhu S. Nair (CMD, Cochin Shipyard Limited). This collaboration marks a strategic alignment of CSL’s legacy and domestic expertise with HD KSOE’s advanced global shipbuilding technology.

Boost to India’s Shipbuilding Capabilities

Under this long-term partnership, CSL’s 310-meter new dry dock formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 17th January 2024 will play a central role. The facility will be utilized to construct large vessels such as Suezmax tankers, container ships, and Capesize bulk carriers. With a production capacity of up to six vessels annually, this move positions India to meet rising global demand in the shipping sector.

Investment and Employment Opportunities

To support the new venture, CSL has proposed a dedicated Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) in Kochi, spread across 80 acres. The facility, involving an investment of approximately ₹3,700 crore, will have an annual capacity of 1,20,000 MT. This initiative is expected to generate around 2,000 direct jobs and create significant indirect employment 2 to 5 times higher across logistics, MSMEs, supply chain, and ancillary industries.

Alignment with Maritime India Vision 2030 and MAKV 2047

The collaboration will not only focus on ship construction but also on the joint execution of projects at CSL’s existing facilities during the transition phase. It will explore opportunities in greenfield shipyards, new business areas, and skill development. By improving production efficiency and delivering next-generation vessels, the partnership directly aligns with the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047.

Second MoU with Tamil Nadu Government

At the same event, CSL also signed another MoU with Guidance, the nodal agency of the Government of Tamil Nadu, as part of India’s vision to develop shipbuilding clusters. The agreement, signed by CSL CMD Madhu S. Nair, Guidance Tamil Nadu MD & CEO Dr. Darez Ahamed, outlines CSL’s long-term plan to set up a greenfield shipyard in Tamil Nadu in collaboration with a Korean partner.

This proposed project involves an investment of about ₹15,000 crore and is expected to create nearly 10,000 jobs in its first phase 4,000 direct and 6,000 indirect. The shipyard will also feature a modern ship repair facility, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s role as a hub in India’s maritime growth story.

A Major Step Towards Global Leadership

The CSL–HD Korea partnership represents a major leap in India’s ambition to become a global shipbuilding hub. With cutting-edge technology, robust infrastructure, and large-scale job creation, this collaboration is set to transform the maritime landscape, fostering innovation and sustainability while driving India closer to its long-term strategic goals.