India has taken a major step towards becoming a global maritime manufacturing powerhouse with the approval of two landmark infrastructure projects in Gujarat. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has granted in-principle approval for a Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster in Porbandar district and a state-of-the-art ship repair facility at Vadinar in the Gulf of Kutch under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS).
The two projects are expected to significantly strengthen India’s shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities, support domestic manufacturing, create large-scale employment opportunities, and reinforce the country’s vision of becoming a globally competitive maritime nation under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
Key Highlights
- Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster approved at Kuchhadi, Porbandar, Gujarat.
- Spread across nearly 2,000 acres with integrated shipbuilding infrastructure.
- Annual production capacity of 1.2–1.5 million gross tonnage (GT).
- ₹1,570 crore ship repair facility approved at Vadinar.
- Jointly developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA).
- Eligible for 25% financial assistance under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme.
- Capable of repairing commercial vessels up to 300 metres in length.
- Supports Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
- Expected to generate substantial employment and strengthen India's maritime manufacturing ecosystem.
Project Overview
Project
Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster
Vadinar Ship Repair Facility
Location
Kuchhadi, Porbandar, Gujarat
Vadinar, Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat
Type
Greenfield Shipbuilding Park
Brownfield Ship Repair Expansion
Investment
Under Shipbuilding Development Scheme
₹1,570 Crore
Developers
National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park-Gujarat (NSHIP-Gujarat)
Cochin Shipyard Ltd & Deendayal Port Authority
Area
Nearly 2,000 Acres
Existing Port Expansion
Annual Capacity
Annual Capacity
Repair of vessels up to 300 metres
Government Support
Shipbuilding Development Scheme
25% Financial Assistance
Gujarat to Host One of India's Largest Shipbuilding Clusters
The Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster will be established at Kuchhadi in Gujarat’s Porbandar district through the National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park-Gujarat (NSHIP-Gujarat), a Special Purpose Vehicle jointly promoted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Gujarat Maritime Board.
Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, the integrated maritime manufacturing hub will house modern shipyards, ancillary industries, common infrastructure, testing facilities and skill development centres. The project is designed to manufacture large commercial vessels with an annual production capacity of 1.2 to 1.5 million gross tonnage, making it one of India’s largest shipbuilding ecosystems.
The cluster is expected to attract investments across the maritime value chain, encourage domestic production of ship components, and reduce dependence on imported shipbuilding infrastructure.
Vadinar Ship Repair Facility to Expand India's Repair Capacity
The Ministry has also approved a ₹1,570 crore ship repair facility at Vadinar, strategically located along the Gulf of Kutch. The project will be jointly developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA).
Having already received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), the project will now receive in-principle support under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme, including 25% financial assistance on eligible capital infrastructure.
The facility will feature a 650-metre jetty, two large floating dry docks, advanced workshops and supporting marine infrastructure, enabling the repair of commercial vessels measuring up to 300 metres in length.
Its location near major ports such as Mundra Port and Deendayal Port, combined with its natural deep draft and proximity to international shipping routes, positions Vadinar as a future hub for large-scale ship repair operations.
Strengthening India's Maritime Manufacturing Ecosystem
The two projects are expected to play a transformative role in strengthening India’s maritime sector by enhancing domestic shipbuilding capacity, improving ship repair infrastructure and creating a comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem.
Beyond infrastructure development, the initiatives are likely to stimulate demand for steel, heavy engineering, marine equipment, electronics, fabrication, logistics and skilled manpower, generating significant employment opportunities across multiple industries.
The projects are also expected to encourage private sector participation, attract long-term investments and deepen domestic supply chains, helping India compete more effectively in the global shipbuilding market.
Supporting Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
The approvals form part of the Government of India’s broader strategy to develop a world-class maritime ecosystem under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The Shipbuilding Development Scheme is designed to accelerate capacity creation, promote indigenous manufacturing, attract investments and strengthen India’s shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities through targeted financial support.
By expanding both ship construction and maintenance infrastructure, the scheme aims to reduce reliance on overseas facilities while positioning India as a preferred destination for maritime manufacturing and services.
Industry Impact
The projects are expected to deliver multiple long-term benefits for India’s maritime and logistics sectors:
- Increased domestic shipbuilding capacity for large commercial vessels.
- Enhanced ship repair capabilities, reducing dependence on foreign repair yards.
- Greater investment in maritime manufacturing and ancillary industries.
- Improved competitiveness of Indian ports and shipping services.
- Creation of skilled employment across engineering, fabrication and logistics.
- Strengthened supply chains supporting the Make in India initiative.
- Higher participation of private companies in maritime infrastructure development.
- Expansion of India's role in global maritime trade and shipbuilding.
Government of India's Maritime Infrastructure Development Framework
Conclusion
The approval of the Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster in Porbandar and the advanced ship repair facility at Vadinar marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure development. Together, these projects are expected to enhance domestic shipbuilding capabilities, strengthen ship repair services, boost industrial investments and generate substantial employment. As India advances its Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, these strategic initiatives are set to reinforce the country’s position as an emerging global hub for shipbuilding, maritime manufacturing and international trade.
FAQs
What is the Shipbuilding Development Scheme?
The Shipbuilding Development Scheme is a Government of India initiative that provides financial support to develop modern shipbuilding and ship repair infrastructure while promoting indigenous manufacturing and private sector participation.
Where will the Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster be developed?
The cluster will be developed at Kuchhadi in the Porbandar district of Gujarat across nearly 2,000 acres.
What is the investment in the Vadinar ship repair project?
The ship repair facility will be developed with an investment of ₹1,570 crore.
Who will develop the Vadinar facility?
The project will be jointly developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA).
How will these projects benefit India's maritime sector?
The projects will increase shipbuilding and ship repair capacity, create employment, strengthen domestic supply chains, attract investments and improve India’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
