The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has announced the establishment of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to create a significant shipbuilding cluster in Tuticorin (Thoothukudi), aimed at enhancing India’s maritime sector. This initiative reflects a strategic move to boost advancements in shipbuilding and related industries.
The new SPV, named the National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu, is a 50:50 joint venture between VOCPA and the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in September 2025, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in attendance, marking a pivotal moment for this project.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairman of VOCPA, highlighted that this joint venture represents a significant milestone for VOC Port and aligns with India’s maritime aspirations. Located in Tuticorin, VOCPA is one of the 12 major ports in India, playing a crucial role in regional trade and economic growth. This shipbuilding cluster initiative is part of the Union Cabinet’s broader vision to expand domestic shipbuilding capabilities and enhance maritime infrastructure across the country.
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