In a major boost to India’s shipbuilding ambitions under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE).
Under the agreement, CSL will leverage its 310-metre dry dock in Kochi to construct large vessels, including Suezmax tankers, container ships, and Capesize bulk carriers. The collaboration also envisages the establishment of a ₹3,700-crore Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) at Kochi, spread over 80 acres with an annual capacity of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes. The project is expected to generate around 2,000 direct jobs and several thousand indirect employment opportunities across allied sectors.
In a parallel move, CSL signed another MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to explore a greenfield shipyard project with Korean partners. Estimated at ₹15,000 crore, the project is likely to create 10,000 jobs in its first phase, significantly boosting the state’s industrial landscape.
“This partnership will bring advanced shipbuilding technologies to India, strengthen our industrial ecosystem, and generate large-scale employment, marking an important step towards self-reliance,” CSL said in a statement. The move is expected to not only enhance India’s capacity to build large commercial vessels domestically but also strengthen its strategic maritime capabilities in the long run.