Ahmedabad: Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster is set to become a major part of India’s maritime growth after the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) approved two key projects in Gujarat. The projects include a Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster at Porbandar and a ₹1,570 crore Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar. These approvals aim to strengthen India’s shipbuilding capacity, reduce dependence on foreign ship repair yards, and support the vision of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Details of 2 Projects Under Gujarat Shipbuilding Development Scheme
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has given in-principle approval to both projects under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS). The government said these projects will improve India’s shipbuilding and ship repair ecosystem while supporting the country’s goal of becoming a global maritime manufacturing hub.
Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster to Come Up in Porbandar
The new Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster will be developed in Porbandar district, Gujarat. The project will be implemented through National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park-Gujarat (NSHIP-Gujarat), a Special Purpose Vehicle jointly promoted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Gujarat Maritime Board.
Spread across nearly 2,000 acres, the integrated maritime manufacturing cluster will include:
- Modern shipyards
- Ancillary manufacturing units
- Common infrastructure
- Capability development centres
The cluster is designed to build large commercial ships with an annual production capacity of 1.2 to 1.5 million Gross Tonnage (GT), significantly increasing India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity.
₹1,570 Crore Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar
The second project is a ₹1,570 crore Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar in the Gulf of Kutch. The facility will be jointly developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA).
It will receive 25% financial assistance under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme for eligible infrastructure. The brownfield expansion will include:
- 650-metre jetty
- Two large floating dry docks
- Workshops
- Supporting marine infrastructure
The project had already received Cabinet approval in May 2026 and has now secured approval under the SbDS.
Why Vadinar Was Chosen
According to the government, Vadinar has several strategic advantages. Its deep-draft port, location on major international shipping routes, and proximity to ports such as Mundra and Deendayal Port make it an ideal location for a world-class ship repair hub. Once operational, the facility will be able to repair vessels measuring up to 300 metres in length, reducing India’s dependence on overseas repair yards for large commercial ships.
Gujarat Shipbuilding Development Scheme: Government’s Statement
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the projects will strengthen India’s maritime competitiveness and support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He said these investments will create modern infrastructure, generate employment, strengthen domestic supply chains, and help India become a globally competitive shipbuilding nation.
Read also: Indian Navy 2035 Vision: Inside the 200 Warships Induction Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Plan
