Cochin Shipyard Partners with HD KSOE for Maritime Growth
New Delhi, September 24 (KNN) — Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has forged a significant long-term partnership with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on September 20, 2025, during the event ‘Samudra se Samriddhi – Transforming India’s Maritime Sector’ held in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. This collaboration aims to combine CSL’s local expertise with HD KSOE’s advanced global technology to enhance shipbuilding capabilities in India.
Strategic Collaboration and Infrastructure Development
The newly established partnership will utilize CSL’s 310-meter dry dock to construct large vessels, including Suezmax tankers, container ships, and Capesize bulk carriers. The facility is projected to accommodate the construction of up to six vessels annually. To bolster these operations, CSL has proposed a Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) on an expansive 80-acre site in Kochi, with an investment estimated at around Rs 3,700 crore. This facility is expected to have an annual capacity of 120,000 metric tons and is anticipated to create approximately 2,000 direct jobs, along with numerous indirect employment opportunities in related sectors such as logistics, MSMEs, supply chains, and ancillary industries.
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In addition to the shipbuilding initiatives, the collaboration will also focus on joint projects at CSL’s existing facilities during the transition phase. The partnership aims to explore opportunities in greenfield shipyards, emerging business areas, and skill development, ensuring a comprehensive approach to maritime growth in India.
Expansion Plans and Job Creation in Tamil Nadu
CSL has also signed a second MoU with Guidance, the nodal agency of the Tamil Nadu government, to develop shipbuilding clusters across India. As part of this initiative, CSL is considering a greenfield investment of approximately Rs 15,000 crore to establish a state-of-the-art shipyard in Tamil Nadu in collaboration with a Korean partner. The first phase of this ambitious project is expected to generate nearly 10,000 jobs, including 4,000 direct positions and 6,000 indirect roles. Additionally, the facility may incorporate a modern ship repair unit, further enhancing the region’s maritime capabilities.
This strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward in India’s maritime sector, promising to boost local employment and technological advancement while positioning the country as a key player in the global shipbuilding industry.
