Gandhinagar: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has granted in-principle approval for two major maritime infrastructure projects in Gujarat aimed at strengthening India’s shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities.
The approved projects include a ₹1,570 crore ship repair facility at Vadinar in the Gulf of Kutch and a new shipbuilding cluster in Porbandar district. The announcement was made through an official government statement on Wednesday.
These projects are expected to enhance India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity, create employment opportunities, and support the country’s growing maritime industry.
₹1,570 Crore Ship Repair Facility to Come Up at Vadinar
Under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme, a modern ship repair facility will be developed at Vadinar, Gujarat, with an estimated investment of ₹1,570 crore.
The project will be jointly developed by:
- Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
- Deendayal Port Authority (DPA).
The facility will strengthen India’s ship repair ecosystem and provide advanced maintenance services for commercial vessels operating in the region.
The project received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on May 5, 2026.
Following the in-principle approval, the project will receive 25% financial assistance on eligible capital infrastructure.
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New Shipbuilding Cluster Planned in Porbandar District
The Ministry has also approved the development of a new shipbuilding cluster in Porbandar district, Gujarat.
Spread across nearly 2,000 acres, the cluster will include:
- Modern shipyards.
- Supporting manufacturing units.
- Common infrastructure facilities.
- Skill development and capacity-building centres.
The project has been designed to support the construction of large commercial vessels and is expected to significantly expand India’s shipbuilding capabilities.
Cluster to Produce Up to 15 Lakh Gross Tonnage Annually
The proposed shipbuilding cluster is planned with an annual production capacity of around 12 to 15 lakh Gross Tonnage (GT) of commercial ships.
The development is expected to:
- Increase India’s share in the global shipbuilding sector.
- Reduce dependence on foreign shipbuilding facilities.
- Promote domestic manufacturing.
- Create new opportunities for maritime industries and allied sectors.
NSHIP-Gujarat to Lead Shipbuilding Cluster Development
The shipbuilding cluster will be developed through the National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park-Gujarat (NSHIP-Gujarat).
NSHIP-Gujarat is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly promoted by:
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
- Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB).
The initiative aims to create a world-class maritime industrial ecosystem in Gujarat and strengthen the state’s position as a key hub for shipbuilding and marine activities.
Projects to Strengthen India’s Maritime Infrastructure
The approval of these two projects marks a significant step towards expanding India’s maritime infrastructure and supporting the government’s vision of becoming a stronger player in the global shipping and shipbuilding sector.
With advanced shipbuilding facilities, repair infrastructure, and skill development centres, Gujarat is expected to emerge as an important destination for maritime investments and industrial growth.
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