The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has given initial approval to two key maritime projects in Gujarat under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme. These projects consist of a new shipbuilding cluster in Porbandar district and a cutting-edge ship repair facility in Vadinar, Gulf of Kutch. These initiatives align with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to bolster local shipbuilding and repair capabilities, attract investments, and boost India’s standing in the global maritime industry.
The greenfield shipbuilding cluster, to be established through the National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park-Gujarat, will cover about 2,000 acres in Porbandar. It will feature advanced shipyards, auxiliary manufacturing units, shared infrastructure, and skill development centers. This cluster is designed to construct large commercial vessels with an annual capacity of 1.2 million to 1.5 million gross tonnage, significantly enhancing India’s shipbuilding capacity and positioning Gujarat as a key center for heavy-tonnage vessel production.
The second project involves a Rs 1,570-crore ship repair facility in Vadinar, a collaboration between Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and Deendayal Port Authority. This project, previously approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has now secured initial approval under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme for 25% financial assistance on eligible capital infrastructure. The expansion will include a 650-metre jetty, two sizable floating dry docks, workshops, and supporting marine infrastructure.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized the significant transformation in India’s maritime sector over the past 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. These projects are expected to enhance India’s maritime competitiveness, create jobs, strengthen the maritime manufacturing ecosystem, and fortify domestic supply chains. Once operational, the ship repair facility will be capable of servicing commercial vessels up to 300 meters long, reducing the country’s reliance on overseas repair facilities.
