Mazagon Dock to Expand Shipbuilding Capacity from 40,000 DWT to 200,000 DWT with Massive Infrastructure Upgrade

In a bold move to elevate India’s maritime manufacturing capabilities, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has launched a multi-phase expansion plan to increase its shipbuilding capacity from the current 40,000 Deadweight Tons (DWT) to 200,000 DWT in the coming years. This strategic leap, backed by substantial infrastructure investment and land acquisition, aims to place MDL among Asia’s top shipyards.

Massive Land Acquisition and Reclamation Efforts

As part of the first phase, MDL has leased 15 acres of land from the Mumbai Port Authority for ₹354 crore. This will decongest current operations and allow for new facilities to be built within the main yard. In addition, 10 more acres are being reclaimed adjacent to the shipyard, which will increase the capacity to 80,000 DWT at the Mumbai location.

In a parallel development, MDL has acquired 37 acres at Nhava Sheva Port, with an estimated investment of around ₹3,000 crore. This site will serve as a satellite facility and host India’s largest floating dry dock.

Investment in State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

The total investment for the expansion is expected to range between ₹4,000–5,000 crore, and includes new dry docks, wet basins, and outfitting areas. At its Mumbai location, two new basins are planned, complementing the existing Kanhoji Angre wet basin, which already supports two frigates and two submarines simultaneously.

At Nhava, MDL will build India’s largest floating dry dock, measuring 180 meters long, 44 meters wide, and 19.5 meters high. Once complete, it will be capable of docking eight vessels simultaneously, each weighing up to 12,800 tons. This dry dock is expected to be operational by late 2025.

Phased Expansion to 200,000 DWT

• Phase 1 (Mumbai Expansion): Boosts MDL’s capacity from 40,000 DWT to 80,000 DWT through land lease, reclamation, and new basins.

• Phase 2 (Nhava Sheva Facility): Scales up to the final 200,000 DWT target by leveraging new land, floating dry dock, and larger construction infrastructure.

This phased growth model ensures that MDL can maintain ongoing naval production while scaling up operations steadily and sustainably.

Boosting Strategic and Commercial Shipbuilding

MDL’s expanded infrastructure will support the simultaneous construction of 11 submarines and 10 warships, significantly enhancing India’s defence production capabilities. Beyond military projects, the new capacity will enable MDL to take on larger commercial ships and ship-repair contracts, making it a more versatile and globally competitive player.

The Nhava facility, with its high-throughput capacity, is expected to reduce bottlenecks and attract international commercial orders—an area where Indian yards have lagged behind regional competitors like China and South Korea.

International Ambitions: Colombo Dockyard Stake

In addition to domestic expansion, MDL is set to acquire a 51% stake in Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard PLC, enabling it to handle vessels up to 125,000 DWT and expand its footprint in South Asia. This move marks MDL’s entry into the international shipbuilding arena, supporting India’s broader maritime and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

Mazagon Dock’s ambitious expansion from 40,000 to 200,000 DWT is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it represents a significant stride in India’s journey toward self-reliance in naval construction and global competitiveness in commercial shipbuilding. With strategic land acquisitions, modern shipyard technologies, and an eye on international collaboration, MDL is positioning itself as a true maritime powerhouse in the Indo-Pacific.