Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated three major infrastructure projects valued at over Rs 4,000 crore in Kochi, Kerala. The inauguration ceremony included the launching of the New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of CSL, and the LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Puthuvypeen, Kochi.
The New Dry Dock, a flagship project at a cost of approximately Rs 1,800 crore, is situated at the existing premises of Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi. Spanning an impressive 310 meters in length, with a width of 75/60 meters, a depth of 13 meters, and a draught of up to 9.5 meters, this stepped dry dock stands as one of the largest marine infrastructures in the region.
It also features heavy ground loading, positioning India with advanced capabilities to handle strategic assets such as future aircraft carriers up to 70,000T displacement and large commercial vessels. This monumental project aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign nations for emergency national requirements.
The International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) project, with an investment of approximately Rs 970 crore, includes a ship lift system with a robust capacity of 6000T. Complemented by a transfer system, six workstations, and a berth stretching approximately 1,400 meters, the ISRF is designed to accommodate seven vessels of 130-meter length simultaneously. Its strategic importance lies in modernizing and expanding the existing ship repair capabilities of CSL, marking a crucial step towards transforming Kochi into a global ship repair hub.
Adding to the roster of inaugurations, the Indian Oil’s LPG Import Terminal at Puthuvypeen in Kochi, constructed at a cost of about Rs 1,236 crore, introduces state-of-the-art facilities to the region. With a substantial storage capacity of 15,400 MT, the terminal ensures a steady supply of LPG for millions of households and businesses in the area. This project significantly contributes to India’s efforts to ensure accessible and affordable energy for all.
The commissioning of these three projects is expected to catalyze the nation’s shipbuilding and repair capacities, fostering the growth of energy infrastructure and ancillary industries. Moreover, these initiatives are poised to boost EXIM Trade, reduce logistics costs, drive economic growth, build self-reliance, and create numerous domestic and international business opportunities.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of every state in India’s journey towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ during the Amrit Kaal, Prime Minister Modi reflected on the historical prosperity of ports in India and envisioned a similar role for ports in the contemporary era when India is emerging as a major center of global trade. The Prime Minister underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the strength of port cities like Kochi, citing increased port capacity, investments in port infrastructure, and improved connectivity of ports under the Sagarmala Project.
Prime Minister Modi specifically highlighted the New Dry Dock, acknowledging it as the country’s largest dry dock, a source of national pride. Beyond enabling the docking of large vessels, the New Dry Dock facilitates domestic shipbuilding and repair work, reducing dependence on foreign countries and contributing to foreign exchange savings.
Turning his attention to the International Ship Repair Facility, the Prime Minister predicted its transformative impact, positioning Kochi as India and Asia’s largest ship repair center. Drawing an analogy to the collaboration of multiple MSMEs in the manufacturing of INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the creation of a new ecosystem of MSMEs with the inauguration of these substantial shipbuilding and repair facilities.
The newly inaugurated LPG Import Terminal, according to the Prime Minister, will cater to the LPG needs of various cities in the region while supporting industries, fostering economic development, and generating new employment opportunities.
Commending Kochi Shipyard’s green technology capacities and its prominence in producing ‘Make in India’ vessels, the Prime Minister praised the electric vessels developed for the Kochi Water Metro. Electric hybrid passenger ferries for cities such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, and Guwahati are being manufactured at Kochi Shipyard, playing a crucial role in modern and green water connectivity across the country.
Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted the zero-emission electric cargo ferries being developed for Norway and the ongoing work on the world’s first hydrogen-fueled feeder container vessel. Recognizing Kochi Shipyard’s contribution, he expressed confidence in advancing India towards hydrogen fuel-based transport, anticipating the soon-to-come indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry for the country.
