Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has secured a deal with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd to construct two luxury river cruise ships for service on the Brahmaputra River. The vessels will be built at CSL’s Hooghly unit in West Bengal.
Formerly known as Hooghly Dock and Port Engineers Limited (HDPEL), the Hooghly unit was acquired by CSL in October 2017. Founded in 1819, HDPEL has a rich history in shipbuilding along India’s eastern coast.
The new cruise ships will be operated by Heritage River Journeys under the Antara River Cruises brand, which is a leading name in luxury river cruises in India. Antara is renowned for offering exclusive journeys on the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra rivers.
Its flagship vessel, the Ganga Vilas, holds the distinction of being the world’s longest river cruise, covering over 3,200 kilometers and passing through 27 rivers, including the Gangetic plains, the Sundarbans, and the Brahmaputra Valley. The official contract for the first ship, along with a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the second, was signed by CSL’s Hooghly CEO Sanil Peter and Antara River Cruises Chairman Raj Singh, with CSL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Madhu S. Nair, also present at the ceremony.
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.
