India is set to establish shipbuilding clusters across nearly 15,000 acres in five coastal states: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Approximately 40% of this land—around 5,800 acres—is located in Maharashtra, as the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) seeks to attract global shipbuilding players. The land parcels are being identified in collaboration with state governments, with the aim of creating a robust domestic shipbuilding industry.
The Ministry estimates India will need at least 207 vessels, totaling 8.6 million gross tonnage, involving investments close to ₹1.5 lakh crore. Significant land areas have already been earmarked, such as 2,000 acres near Paradip Port in Odisha and 2,000 acres around Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu. The latter is also positioning itself as a green hydrogen hub, with five approved projects aimed at producing 4 million tonnes per annum of green fuel.
In Andhra Pradesh, 3,000 acres have been identified, with feasibility studies nearing completion for an initial 2,500 acres. Gujarat is evaluating a shipbuilding policy while identifying 2,000 acres in Kandla. Maharashtra is focusing on multiple locations, including various types of marine shipyard clusters to attract investment, supported by fiscal incentives and development funding.
