Mumbai: In a major step towards enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Drydocks World, a subsidiary of global logistics leader DP World. The partnership aims to establish world-class ship repair clusters in India, combining CSL’s local expertise with Drydocks World’s global reach and advanced technical capabilities.
The MoU, signed at the ‘CEO-Connect: Dubai-India Economic Ties & Opportunities’ event in Mumbai, was facilitated under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. The signing ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shri Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Shri Madhu S. Nair, Chairman & Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, were also present.
The collaboration will focus on the development of two key ship repair hubs in Kochi (Kerala) and Vadinar (Gujarat), which will provide a wide array of services such as maintenance, repair, offshore fabrication, and marine engineering. These clusters will serve as crucial centers of excellence, positioning India as a global leader in ship repair and maritime services.
The partnership also seeks to strengthen engagement with Indian ports and government bodies to enhance offshore fabrication capabilities, in line with the national goals set under Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime AmritKaal Vision 2047. These initiatives aim to make India a dominant force in the global maritime sector.
CSL expressed that the strategic alliance will modernize India’s maritime infrastructure, generate employment, and support key infrastructure projects aligned with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. This move is a significant step in reinforcing India’s maritime self-reliance, boosting global competitiveness, and fostering international collaboration in the maritime industry.
