Andhra Pradesh Aims to Become Key Shipbuilding Hub in India

The state administration of Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to transforming the region into a prominent hub for the shipbuilding industry, aligning with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision. With its extensive 1,053 km coastline, well-established port network, and strategic location, Andhra Pradesh possesses great potential to emerge as a key player in shipbuilding. An important meeting was recently convened by S Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary (Infrastructure and Investment), to explore the possibilities of establishing a state-of-the-art shipbuilding sector in Andhra Pradesh, in line with the Government of India’s Maritime Vision 2047.

In pursuit of this objective, the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to attract shipbuilding companies to invest in the state. The EOI successfully engaged leading global shipbuilders, sparking significant interest in Andhra Pradesh’s shipbuilding prospects. Notably, Korean shipbuilders and Hyundai Heavy Industries have already engaged with the APMB, showing a keen interest in the state’s potential as a shipbuilding destination. During site visits and discussions, Andhra Pradesh was identified as a promising location for expanding shipyards.

Further discussions were focused on exploring potential collaborations with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), a prominent Indian shipbuilding company. GRSE representatives visited possible shipbuilding facility locations in Andhra Pradesh and engaged in fruitful discussions with the APMB. Officials highlighted the state’s coastal resources and robust infrastructure, impressing the GRSE delegates. The key focus was on how Andhra Pradesh could support the realization of India’s Maritime Vision 2047 by fostering a cluster of maritime ancillary industries and ship manufacturing. To attract investments, the APMB pledged comprehensive support, including incentives, streamlined approvals, and infrastructure development.

Andhra Pradesh’s progress towards becoming a significant shipbuilding destination signifies a promising future for the region’s maritime industry. With a strong emphasis on collaboration with key players in the sector and strategic investments, Andhra Pradesh is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s maritime growth trajectory. The state’s commitment to creating a robust shipbuilding ecosystem and providing attractive incentives for investors underscores its determination to carve a niche in the global shipbuilding arena. As Andhra Pradesh continues on this trajectory, it holds the potential to emerge as a major hub for shipbuilding activities, showcasing its strengths as a maritime powerhouse in the South Asian region.

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