In a landmark move aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and India’s maritime development strategy, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE). This long-term partnership is set to transform India’s shipbuilding capabilities and contribute significantly to economic and strategic self-reliance.
The MoU was exchanged during the high-profile event “Samudra se Samriddhi – Transforming India’s Maritime Sector,” inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 20, 2025, at Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
CSL–HD Korea Collaboration: A Strategic Leap
- Present at the MoU signing were Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Shantanu Thakur, along with Jung Changin, Senior Vice President, Hyundai, and Madhu S. Nair, CMD of Cochin Shipyard.
- The partnership aims to integrate CSL’s shipbuilding legacy and infrastructure with HD KSOE’s advanced technological capabilities.
- CSL’s 310-meter dry dock, inaugurated in January 2024, will be used to construct large commercial vessels such as Suezmax tankers, container ships, and Capesize bulk carriers, with a capacity to build six ships annually.
Massive Infrastructure Investments: BFF at Kochi
- To support this scale of operations, CSL will establish a Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) at Kochi, spread over 80 acres, with an annual capacity of 1,20,000 metric tonnes.
- The facility involves a massive investment of ₹3,700 crore and is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs and significantly more indirect employment in logistics, MSMEs, and supply chains.
- The BFF will enhance shipbuilding efficiency, reduce lead times, and support construction of next-generation vessels tailored for both domestic and international markets.
₹15,000 Crore Shipyard in Tamil Nadu: Creating 10,000 Jobs
- Further expanding its footprint, CSL announced plans to establish a ₹15,000 crore greenfield shipyard in Tamil Nadu, a move expected to generate over 10,000 jobs.
- This facility will be developed as part of CSL’s broader objective to develop shipbuilding clusters and regional hubs of maritime excellence, aligning with the national goals of Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047.
Key Takeaways
- MoU signed on September 20, 2025, at Bhavnagar, Gujarat during “Samudra se Samriddhi” event.
- Partners: Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering.
- ₹3,700 crore Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) in Kochi, spread over 80 acres.
- ₹15,000 crore new shipyard in Tamil Nadu, to create 10,000 jobs.
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