India Charts Course for Global Shipbuilding Leadership with Mega Coastal Clusters in 8 locations
India has launched an ambitious maritime plan to transform itself into a global shipbuilding powerhouse by establishing eight mega shipbuilding clusters along its coastline. This move is part of the country’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and the Maritime India Vision 2030. The aim is not only to boost domestic manufacturing but also to position India among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
The plan involves five new greenfield shipbuilding clusters in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, and three brownfield expansions in Gujarat’s Vadinar and Kandla, and near Cochin Port in Kerala. These projects will be developed and managed by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed by respective state governments and backed by the central government. All necessary land parcels and approvals have already been secured, according to Union Shipping Secretary T.K. Ramachandran.
Each cluster will be more than just a shipyard—it will be a complete maritime industrial ecosystem. The facilities will include ship manufacturing units, dry docks, repair yards, marine equipment manufacturing hubs, ship leasing offices, vendor bases, bunkering services, maritime insurance, and training institutes. This integrated infrastructure will also feature robust connectivity with dedicated road and rail links, breakwaters, jetties, and portside logistics support, ensuring seamless movement of goods and labor.
At present, India’s contribution to global shipbuilding is less than 1%, a stark contrast to countries like South Korea, China, and Japan, which dominate the sector. However, India has set a goal to increase its domestic fleet build content from about 5% currently to 7% by 2030, and a staggering 69% by 2047. This would include building not just cargo vessels and tugs, but also sophisticated platforms like naval ships, offshore vessels, and green ships.
The total investment estimated for the development of these shipbuilding clusters is around Rs 2 trillion (₹2 lakh crore) over the next five to six years. This is part of a larger Rs 3–3.5 trillion push under Maritime India Vision 2030, which also encompasses port modernization, inland waterways development, and shipping industry reforms.
To fast-track progress and align with global standards, Indian delegations have visited major shipbuilding hubs in South Korea, Japan, and Scandinavian countries. These study visits have focused on technology sharing, process optimization, and identifying potential foreign partners. Government sources have indicated that some tie-ups with international shipbuilding firms are in the pipeline and may be announced soon.
The strategic intent behind this move is clear: India wants to reduce its reliance on foreign-built ships, create thousands of skilled jobs in the maritime sector, attract foreign investment, and develop globally competitive shipyards. If executed successfully, this initiative could turn India’s long coastline into a bustling corridor of maritime manufacturing, contributing significantly to exports and defense preparedness alike.
As global maritime trade shifts and demand for green, cost-effective ships rises, India’s timely entry with well-planned infrastructure and policy support could mark the beginning of its rise as a formidable shipbuilding nation.
