Kerala is exploring the establishment of a new shipyard, as reported by Malayala Manorama. The state government has instructed the Kerala Maritime Board to locate suitable land for this initiative. The proposed shipyard is likely to be situated in the northern part of the state, rather than in Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram, which are already near existing maritime facilities.
This decision follows a letter from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, which offered financial support for ship construction and repair facilities contingent on finding appropriate coastal land. The requirement is for a coastal area of 2,500 to 3,000 acres along the sea. Recently, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a substantial Rs 69,725 crore investment package for the maritime sector, with Rs 20,000 crore earmarked specifically for enhancing shipbuilding capabilities.
Despite the Union government’s preference for sites near major ports, the Kerala government is pursuing its own strategy. While Kochi has an existing shipyard and land availability in Vizhinjam is limited, the northern region of Kerala is being considered as a viable alternative. If acquiring a single large tract proves challenging, the state may opt for multiple smaller parcels. The shipyard is expected to produce various vessels, alleviating the current reliance on shipyards in Goa due to the high demand at Cochin Shipyard.
In light of the Union government’s outreach, Kerala has also consulted Cochin Shipyard and Adani Vizhinjam Port Ltd regarding their plans for a new shipyard, but both indicated they have no such intentions. Consequently, the state government is contemplating its own project, aiming for ownership while potentially collaborating with the Centre. This initiative aligns with the Centre’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which outlines ambitious growth plans for the maritime sector, including numerous investment projects and job creation through the Sagarmala Programme.
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