HD Hyundai has announced plans to explore a new shipyard in India in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu state government. The state has been chosen for its favourable climate, coastal conditions, and rainfall, similar to Ulsan, South Korea, where HD Hyundai has its flagship shipbuilding operations. Tamil Nadu is also planning major port infrastructure upgrades, making it an ideal location for a modern shipbuilding facility. The project is expected to boost India’s maritime capabilities, support regional economic growth, and create advanced manufacturing and skilled employment opportunities.
The announcement was made in a ceremony attended by MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and TRB Rajaa, State Industries Minister. An HD Hyundai representative stated, “India is a market with strong growth potential, and this project can become a key driver of growth for our shipbuilding and offshore business.” The initiative aligns with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to place the country among the top five shipbuilding nations globally.
In a complementary move, HD Hyundai signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a Bengaluru-based, state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Defence. The partnership focuses on developing maritime and port crane capabilities, covering the design, production, and quality assurance of goliath and jib cranes to support Indian shipyards and enhance port operations.
HD Hyundai has already established its expertise in India, having delivered a 600-ton Goliath crane to Cochin Shipyard Limited, the country’s largest state-owned shipbuilder, earlier this year. The company has also expanded its cooperation with Cochin Shipyard to include naval vessel projects, further consolidating its presence in India’s maritime and offshore sector.
The proposed shipyard in Tamil Nadu will leverage HD Hyundai’s decades of experience in Ulsan, South Korea, across shipbuilding, heavy equipment, and offshore engineering. By combining global technology with local partnerships, the company aims to establish a highly efficient, modern, and sustainable shipbuilding hub in India.
The new shipyard is expected to attract investments, strengthen local supply chains, and promote skill development. Using advanced manufacturing and digital shipbuilding technologies, HD Hyundai aims to boost efficiency, quality, and sustainability, enhancing India’s global competitiveness and supporting a modern, innovation-driven maritime industry.
By implementing these initiatives, HD Hyundai aims to strengthen India’s maritime and shipbuilding ecosystem, support the development of advanced port crane and offshore technologies, and create new skilled employment opportunities. The company will combine its global expertise from Ulsan with local partnerships in Tamil Nadu to build a modern, efficient, and sustainable shipbuilding hub. This initiative not only contributes to India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 but also plays a key role in boosting regional economic growth, technological innovation, and long-term industrial development.
