The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned a Rs 1,570 crore proposal for establishing a modern Ship Repair Facility in Vadinar, Gujarat. This initiative signifies a significant expansion of the national ship repair sector. The project will be a collaboration between the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
The Vadinar Ship Repair Facility, designed as a brownfield setup, will feature a 650 meters jetty, two large floating dry docks, workshops, and related marine infrastructure. Situated advantageously with natural deep draft and close proximity to key ports like Mundra and Kandla, Vadinar is deemed an ideal location for repair operations, especially for large commercial and foreign-flagged vessels.
This project is not only expected to enhance skill development and create both direct and indirect employment opportunities but also foster the growth of maritime ancillary services and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the surrounding area. Addressing a crucial gap in India’s ship repair infrastructure, the facility will cater to the repair needs of vessels up to 300 meters, reducing the reliance on foreign shipyards and minimizing foreign exchange outflow.
By boosting repair capacity and efficiency on the western coast, the Vadinar Ship Repair Facility aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian ports overall. It is projected to generate approximately 290 direct jobs and around 1,100 indirect employment opportunities across ship repair, logistics, and ancillary sectors, while also catalyzing a broader maritime industrial ecosystem. This initiative aligns with India’s long-term maritime goals outlined in Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
