Tamil Nadu Delegation Boosts Shipbuilding Ties in South Korea
A high-level delegation from the Tamil Nadu government recently visited HD Hyundai’s Ulsan shipyard in South Korea to enhance shipbuilding collaboration. This visit follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last December, aimed at establishing a new shipyard in line with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The delegation’s tour focused on observing advanced shipbuilding operations and infrastructure, crucial for India’s maritime ambitions.
Strategic Visit for ‘Amrit Kaal Vision’
The Tamil Nadu delegation, which included key officials such as TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries, and Gaurav Daga, Deputy Vice President at Guidance Tamil Nadu, aimed to strengthen ties with HD Hyundai, a leader in the global shipbuilding industry. Their visit comes after an MoU was signed between the Tamil Nadu government and HD Hyundai, signaling a commitment to developing a new shipyard. This initiative is part of the Indian government’s broader Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which seeks to position India as a significant player in the global shipping and shipbuilding sectors.
During their visit, the officials explored HD Hyundai’s advanced production systems and automated facilities, gaining insights into modern shipyard management practices. The Ulsan shipyard tour provided a firsthand look at the infrastructure necessary to support India’s manufacturing objectives. Tamil Nadu has been identified as one of five potential sites for a dedicated shipbuilding cluster, underscoring its strategic importance in this initiative.
Fostering India’s Shipbuilding Ecosystem
Minister Rajaa emphasized the importance of collaboration with HD Hyundai, stating that it would lay the groundwork for India’s shipbuilding industry and create high-quality job opportunities. He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s pivotal role in revitalizing the shipbuilding sector and enhancing cooperation between India and South Korea. This partnership is expected to foster a robust shipbuilding ecosystem in India, aligning with the country’s long-term maritime goals.
Officials from HD Hyundai expressed their commitment to expanding their market presence in India. Choi Han-nae, head of Corporate Planning at HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., noted that the visit reflects the Indian government’s dedication to developing the shipbuilding industry. Strengthening ties with India is seen as a catalyst for further market expansion in the region, reinforcing the significance of this collaboration for both nations.
