According to Shipping Industry Network, India has announced a series of ambitious plans this year to establish eight new super shipbuilding and repair hubs. As reported by the Indian media outlet *Opindia*, the Indian government aims to rank among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
The plan includes identifying five new locations in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, with the goal of developing these sites into integrated ecosystems encompassing shipbuilding, equipment manufacturing, and related industries.
Additionally, three existing shipbuilding and repair yards—Vadinar and Kandla in Gujarat, and Cochin in Kerala—will undergo expansion.
It is reported that the site selections have been finalized, and state governments are forming special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to accelerate development.
The Indian government has established a ₹250 billion (approximately $3 billion) Maritime Development Fund to finance infrastructure projects and vessel procurement. A shipbuilding financial assistance policy has also been introduced, allocating $2.2 billion in subsidies, with 30% dedicated to supporting green ships. Meanwhile, Kandla will focus on constructing a flagship shipyard capable of building 320,000 DWT VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers).
Furthermore, India is advancing its maritime development plans through collaborations with overseas companies. Last week, South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai Heavy Industries partnered with India’s largest state-owned shipyard, Cochin Shipyard, to support India’s *Maritime India Vision 2030*, which aims to position the country among the world’s top 10 shipbuilders by the end of the decade.
Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime and Denmark’s AP Moller-Maersk are already involved in India’s smart port and green shipping initiatives. Additionally, India is seeking partnerships with Japanese shipbuilders Imabari Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for green hybrid vessel projects in Andhra Pradesh.
Ports such as Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin are progressing with green hydrogen bunkering facilities, while a pilot coastal route between Kandla and Tuticorin will demonstrate hydrogen- and ammonia-powered vessels.
These initiatives underscore India’s determination to enhance domestic shipbuilding capabilities and seize opportunities in green shipping, while also creating potential collaboration opportunities for international maritime industry players.
