Cochin Shipyard Limited Signs MoU with HD Korea for Long-Term Shipbuilding Collaboration
Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) at Kochi: 80-Acre Plant with 1,20,000 MT Annual Capacity and ₹3,700 Crore Investment
In a major stride towards self-reliance in shipbuilding, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for a long-term strategic collaboration. The agreement was inked during the marquee event “Samudra se Samriddhi – Transforming India’s Maritime Sector”, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, Jung Changin, Senior Vice President, Hyundai, and Madhu S. Nair, CMD, Cochin Shipyard Limited.
Advancing India’s Shipbuilding Capabilities
The collaboration is set to combine CSL’s infrastructure and domestic expertise with HD KSOE’s advanced technology and global know-how. CSL’s new 310-meter dry dock, inaugurated by the Prime Minister in January 2024, will play a central role in this initiative. The facility will enable the construction of large vessels such as Suezmax tankers, container ships, and Capesize bulk carriers, with the capacity to build up to six vessels annually.
To further support these projects, CSL announced plans for a dedicated Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) at Kochi, spread over 80 acres, with an annual fabrication capacity of 1,20,000 MT. The project involves an estimated ₹3,700 crore investment and is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs, with significant indirect employment in logistics, MSMEs, supply chains, and ancillary sectors.
Tamil Nadu Shipyard – A ₹15,000 Crore Greenfield Project
CSL also signed a second MoU with Guidance, Government of Tamil Nadu’s investment promotion agency, to establish a state-of-the-art greenfield shipyard in Tamil Nadu. Valued at ₹15,000 crore, the project will be developed in collaboration with a Korean partner and is projected to create 10,000 jobs—including 4,000 direct and 6,000 indirect opportunities. The project may also include a modern ship repair facility, strengthening India’s presence in global maritime services.
Driving National Maritime Goals
The CSL–HD KSOE partnership will focus on joint shipbuilding projects, skill development, and exploring greenfield opportunities, aligning with Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047. By enhancing production efficiency and delivering next-generation vessels, the collaboration will significantly boost India’s ambition to emerge as a global shipbuilding hub.
CMD of CSL, Madhu S. Nair, noted that the partnership reflects the synergy between India’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and the need to integrate advanced global technologies to strengthen domestic capabilities.
