Andhra Pradesh is progressing towards establishing a shipbuilding and repair cluster, as emphasized in the recent Union Budget. With its extensive coastline and strategic inland waterways, the state aims to enhance India’s maritime ecosystem. A 2,000-acre hub at Duggarajapatnam will attract more units, creating job opportunities for local youth.
In a landmark move for India’s maritime sector, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved Sagar Defence Engineering’s proposal for the country’s first dedicated autonomous maritime shipyard at Juvvaladinne fishing harbor. This facility aims to create around 750 jobs and enhance indigenous defense technologies, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a key hub for maritime innovation.
The Andhra Pradesh government has formed Port Proximal Area Development Authorities (PPADAs) for each seaport to enhance infrastructure and coordinate development around coastal hubs. Chaired by the APMB Chairman, these authorities will create master plans for a 10-kilometre zone inland, ensuring cohesive coastal development aligned with the APMB Act, 2018.
During India Maritime Week 2025, the session “Unlocking Andhra Pradesh’s Maritime Advantage” focused on enhancing the state’s maritime infrastructure. Key discussions included optimizing port operations and fostering global partnerships. M.T. Krishna Babu underscored Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to become India’s Maritime Gateway through innovative logistics solutions and strategic investments.
The Indian government is focusing on a world-class shipping cluster in Dugarajapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of ₹26,000 crore. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the project will support around 5,000 direct jobs, enhancing the state’s maritime initiatives and fostering economic growth through improved logistics and infrastructure.
Andhra Pradesh is set to become a maritime powerhouse with its new shipbuilding and allied industries policy, designed to attract private investments. Offering fiscal incentives like capital subsidies and SGST reimbursements, the initiative promises to create a diverse industrial ecosystem, generate employment, and leverage the state’s strategic coastal resources.
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a prominent defence public sector company in Visakhapatnam for 85 years, plans to establish its first satellite shipyard in Andhra Pradesh. Potential locations include Mulapeta and Kakinada port. This expansion aims to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure and support HSL’s transition towards profitable defence and commercial ventures.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal celebrated the luxury cruise ship MV Empress’s arrival in Vishakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone for Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and other officials emphasized expanding cruise tourism, projecting economic benefits and job creation while enhancing maritime infrastructure at various ports across the state.
The Indian government is developing shipbuilding facilities in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step in maritime industry growth. A partnership with South Korea’s HD Hyundai aims to enhance local production of large ships for intercontinental trade, particularly at Thoothukudi, projected to be worth £10,000 billion.
Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (AKPL) celebrated the 62nd National Maritime Day with the theme ‘Samriddh Sagar – Viksit Bharat Yevam Neel Arth Aur Harit Vikas Ke Liye Yuva’, highlighting the role of youth in India’s maritime sector. The event brought together employees, stakeholders, and industry players to promote sustainable growth and collaboration in the maritime industry.
At the fourth National Sagarmala Apex Committee meeting in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh Minister BC Janardhan Reddy emphasized the state’s commitment to maritime growth. He outlined plans to develop an Indian Maritime Center, enhance GDP, and establish a harbor in Bapatla, seeking central support for these initiatives to strengthen India’s maritime prowess.
The Union and Andhra Pradesh governments are teaming up to revive Dugarajapatnam in Tirupati district, transforming it into a shipbuilding and port cluster. RITES Ltd will conduct a technical study for this maritime hub, integrating it with industrial corridors. Plans for similar clusters at Mulapeta and Ramayapatnam are also in the works.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu envisions Andhra Pradesh as a Maritime Hub, emphasizing innovative policies, infrastructure development, and efficient governance. His 10-point formula for a proposed maritime policy focuses on port development, shipbuilding clusters, and allied maritime activities. Naidu aims to attract global investors, integrate tourism and green energy initiatives.
In 2024-25, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority showcased its ability to handle large vessels like INS Vikrant and The World, setting new industry standards. Achievements included night-time berthing of M.V. Star Aspiration and berthing MV Huahine with a record draft. Infrastructure upgrades have solidified VPA’s position as a leading maritime hub in the region.
Months after the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government returned to power in Andhra Pradesh, they are seeking investors to develop and operate ports in the state for cargo handling. However, this move has caused unrest in industry, with confusion whether the EOI pertains to existing ports or new ones.
