In a significant step towards bolstering India’s shipbuilding capabilities, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has entered into two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)—one with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and another with Guidance, the investment promotion agency of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The agreements were formalized during the national maritime summit, “Samudra se Samriddhi – Transforming India’s Maritime Sector”, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 20, 2025, in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The event was attended by senior government officials including Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, and key industry leaders such as Jung Changin, Senior Vice President of Hyundai, and Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL.
The MoU with HD KSOE, a global leader in shipbuilding technology, outlines a long-term partnership to jointly build large commercial vessels at CSL’s upgraded facilities. This includes leveraging CSL’s newly inaugurated 310-meter dry dock, capable of producing up to six large vessels annually, including Suezmax tankers, container ships, and Capesize bulk carriers.
To support this scale-up, CSL plans to set up a dedicated Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) on nearly 80 acres of land in Kochi, with an annual fabrication capacity of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes. The project, estimated at ₹3,700 crore, is expected to generate around 2,000 direct jobs and several thousand indirect employment opportunities across logistics, MSMEs, supply chain networks, and allied industries.
This partnership also aims to co-execute shipbuilding contracts at CSL’s existing facilities during the initial phase, while laying the groundwork for collaboration in greenfield projects, shipyard infrastructure, and skills development. In a parallel development, CSL signed a second MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu, reflecting the company’s interest in expanding operations in southern India. The proposed investment of approximately ₹15,000 crore envisions a modern greenfield shipyard in Tamil Nadu in partnership with a Korean firm.
In its first phase, the project is anticipated to create nearly 10,000 jobs—including 4,000 direct and 6,000 indirect employment opportunities—and may also include a cutting-edge ship repair facility to support commercial and naval vessels. The agreement was signed in the presence of CSL CMD Madhu S Nair, Dr Darez Ahamed, MD & CEO of Guidance Tamil Nadu, and other senior officials.
Both MoUs mark a pivotal moment in CSL’s ongoing commitment to India’s maritime development agenda. The initiatives align with key national strategies such as the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, aiming to position India as a globally competitive shipbuilding and repair hub. These developments not only reinforce CSL’s long-term growth roadmap but also contribute meaningfully to the broader national goal of self-reliance in maritime manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is one of India’s premier shipbuilding and maintenance facilities, playing a crucial role in the country’s maritime sector. Established in 1972 and headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, CSL specializes in the construction, repair, and maintenance of a wide range of vessels, including commercial ships, defense vessels, offshore support ships, and specialized vessels.
The shipyard has built India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (INS Vikrant), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s naval capabilities. Over the years, CSL has expanded its capabilities, delivering high-quality vessels for both domestic and international clients. It has also ventured into green shipbuilding technologies and is actively involved in developing zero-emission vessels, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Beyond shipbuilding, Cochin Shipyard is a leader in ship repair services, catering to the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and commercial shipping industries. Its modern facilities, including a dry dock for large vessels and an upcoming International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF), reinforce its position as a strategic maritime hub. CSL has also been actively collaborating with global partners to enhance its technological expertise and expand its service offerings. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, the company continues to strengthen India’s maritime industry, contribute to economic growth, and support the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
