Cochin Shipyard gets order to build 40 ships from U.S., Germany, Norway, other
State-owned Cochin Shipyard, the largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility in India, has recently secured orders to build more than 40 ships from various countries including the U.S., Germany, and Norway. This significant achievement was highlighted by Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during a press conference held in New Delhi.
Growing International Recognition for Indian Shipbuilders
Mr. Sonowal emphasized that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is actively fostering a conducive environment for shipbuilding in India. He noted that the majority of the recent shipbuilding orders have been directed towards Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) from esteemed international clients. The Minister expressed pride in the growing global credibility of Indian shipbuilders, attributing it to the country’s quality production and capacity building capabilities.
Strategic Collaborations and Future Investments
Furthermore, a senior official from the Shipping Ministry revealed that Russian entities have also expressed interest in collaborating with Indian shipyards, particularly Cochin Shipyard, for shipbuilding ventures. The Minister elaborated on his bilateral discussions with representatives from Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and Bhutan during the ‘Sagarmanthan – The Ocean Dialogue’. Notably, Belgium has shown eagerness to collaborate with India in promoting shipbuilding activities.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has expressed keen interest in investing in Indian port projects and the Maritime Development Fund (MDF). The ongoing efforts to enhance port infrastructure and promote green shipping practices were underscored during discussions with various international stakeholders. The signing of agreements between VOC Port and the Port of Antwerp Port for training in green shipping and green fuel further signifies the commitment towards sustainable maritime practices.
Significant Growth in Indian Maritime Sector
In the backdrop of these developments, India’s maritime sector has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade. The port capacity has increased from 1,561 to 2,817 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), while cargo handling capacity has surged from 1,052 to 1,668 million tonnes. Inland waterways cargo has also seen a remarkable rise from 29 to 218 million tonnes. Moreover, the median container vessel turnaround time has decreased from 35 to 23 hours, indicating improved efficiency in port operations.
These recent advancements underscore India’s growing prominence in the global maritime industry and the country’s commitment to fostering sustainable and innovative practices in shipbuilding and port infrastructure development.
