Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised the approval of a ship repair facility in Vadinar, Devbhumi Dwarka district, calling it a “transformative project” that will enhance India’s maritime capabilities and boost the state’s economy. The project, sanctioned by the Union Cabinet, aims to enable high-value ship repairs domestically, reducing reliance on foreign facilities and enhancing port efficiency.
Chief Minister Patel expressed his thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for greenlighting the development of the world-class Ship Repair Facility. He emphasized that this initiative will not only strengthen India’s maritime capabilities but also spur economic growth in Gujarat. The project is expected to create job opportunities, support MSMEs, and solidify the state’s position as a key maritime and logistics hub.
The proposed facility, with a total investment of Rs 1,570 crore, will be a joint effort between Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Shipyard Limited. It is designed as a brownfield development and will feature a 650-metre jetty, two large floating dry docks, workshops, and related marine infrastructure. Vadinar’s strategic location and natural deep draft make it an ideal site for ship repair operations, especially for large commercial and foreign-flagged vessels.
This project addresses a crucial gap in India’s ship repair infrastructure by enabling the repair of vessels up to 300 meters in length. By reducing the need for foreign shipyards, the facility aims to retain high-value ship repairs within the country, thus minimizing foreign exchange outflow. It is anticipated to create around 290 direct jobs and approximately 1,100 indirect jobs, benefiting various sectors including ship repair, logistics, and ancillary industries.
The initiative is expected to enhance turnaround times and repair capabilities on the western coast, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of Indian ports. The state government views this endeavor as a significant step towards supporting regional economic growth and fostering a more competitive and self-reliant maritime sector.
