In a strategic move to elevate India’s shipbuilding status, Andhra Pradesh and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority have signed an MoU to establish a National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster in Dugarajapatnam. This initiative aims to enhance shipbuilding capacity, attract investments, and generate jobs, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime development.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is expanding to the eastern seaboard by signing an MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu. This development, formalized on September 19, 2025, underscores MDL’s commitment to establish a new shipyard, enhancing India’s maritime security and supporting national initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime India Vision 2030.
Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport has quickly emerged as a vital maritime center since its commercial launch in December. Developed by Adani Ports, it recently welcomed its 500th vessel, showcasing its capability for ultra-large container ships. Within 10 months, Vizhinjam handled 1.1 million TEUs, marking significant growth in India’s shipping sector.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding with HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering, announced at the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event in Gujarat. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s shipbuilding capabilities, generate 2,000 jobs, and align with the Maritime India Vision 2030 initiative.
In a significant milestone, V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi achieved record cargo handling of 20 million tonnes on September 21, 2025. This accomplishment underscores its rapid growth, with a 0.61% increase in total cargo and a 6.93% rise in container traffic, solidifying its role as a key hub for international trade.
The event ‘Samudra se Samruddhi’ at Dhamra Port highlighted India’s commitment to becoming a maritime leader under the “Maritime Amritkal Vision 2047.” Attended by key officials, it showcased policies and projects vital for economic growth, emphasizing local production and innovation as essential for strengthening India’s maritime sector.
Alang, Gujarat, one of the world’s largest ship-breaking yards, is experiencing a modest recovery with a 13% increase in ship arrivals from April to August 2025. This year, 44 vessels were beached for dismantling, up from 39 last year. Despite ongoing challenges, government support is aiding the struggling industry.
The Indian government has launched a framework to scientifically estimate logistics costs, a key aspect of the National Logistics Policy. Utilizing a hybrid approach of secondary data and nationwide surveys, the report reveals logistics costs at approximately 7.97% of GDP, a significant decline from previous estimates of 13-14%.
The Indian government plans to establish an Interest Incentivisation Fund under the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund. This initiative will enable lower interest borrowing for entities in targeted sectors, enhancing access to credit. Managed by NaBFID and IIFCL, it aims to strengthen India’s maritime industry, fostering growth and innovation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), enhancing India’s maritime and tourism landscape. Built at ₹556 crore, MICT is India’s largest cruise terminal, accommodating five ships and one million passengers annually. With modern design and cultural displays, it aims to position India as a global cruise hub.
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced the establishment of shipyards in Thoothukudi, costing Rs 30,000 crore, aiming to elevate southern Tamil Nadu on the global shipbuilding map. This initiative will create around 55,000 jobs, reinforcing the region’s maritime heritage and fostering economic growth through the modern “Dravidian model.”
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has signed a pivotal ₹4,250 crore MoU with the Gujarat Maritime Board to modernize shipyard infrastructure and enhance supply chains. The investment will boost Pipavav Port’s capacity and establish a Centre of Excellence, training over 1,000 youth annually to support India’s maritime growth.
In a bold move to enhance Odisha’s maritime and industrial sectors, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced major projects, including a National Shipbuilding Cluster in Kendrapara and a deep-water port at Bahuda. These initiatives, backed by significant investments and federal support, aim to establish Odisha as a maritime hub, fostering economic growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a “historic reform” by designating large ships as infrastructure, aiming to boost financing and competitiveness for Indian shipping. He introduced initiatives worth ₹70,000 crore to modernize shipyards and improve standards, emphasizing self-reliance with the mantra “Chips or ships, made in India.”
On September 20, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gujarat to review the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, with a budget of ₹4,500 crore. The complex aims to preserve India’s maritime traditions while boosting tourism and education. Modi also launched projects worth ₹34,200 crore, enhancing regional infrastructure.
