Visakhapatnam: In a powerful reaffirmation of India’s maritime ambitions, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal visited Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) during the Second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025 in Visakhapatnam. The Minister praised HSL’s infrastructure augmentation and technological strides aimed at doubling India’s shipbuilding capacity under the Maritime India Vision 2030.
HSL’s 85-Year Legacy & Future Vision
During the visit, Cmde Hemant Khatri (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of HSL, briefed the Minister on the shipyard’s transformation and innovation roadmap. With a legacy spanning 85 years, HSL is now gearing up for a new era in shipbuilding — focused on green technologies, hydrogen-powered tugs, mid-range tankers, and platform supply vessels.
Mr Sonowal, accompanied by Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu (IAS), Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), was shown HSL’s modernized facilities and its strategic plans to cater to both domestic and international maritime needs.
Hydrogen Tug Project Gets Ministerial Backing
In a major highlight, HSL showcased its hydrogen fuel cell-powered tug project, which Sonowal described as a “remarkable step under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.” He urged the shipyard to pursue global benchmarks in efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.
“HSL is doing a remarkable job for the nation,” Sonowal said, emphasizing the shipyard’s growing relevance in India’s quest to become a leading global shipbuilder.
Call to Accelerate Innovation & Infrastructure
The Minister encouraged HSL to fully harness its “ability, potential, and possibilities” to accelerate India’s maritime growth. He highlighted the role of shipbuilding in driving national progress and urged the shipyard to push boundaries in operational excellence and technological leadership.
Strategic Role in BIMSTEC & Bay of Bengal Region
HSL’s participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Ports Conclave underscores its strategic role in regional maritime collaboration. The shipyard is now poised to play a pivotal role in India’s leadership in the Bay of Bengal and wider Indo-Pacific region through sustainable shipbuilding and international partnerships.
About HSL
Established in 1941, HSL is a premier public sector undertaking located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, HSL specializes in shipbuilding, ship repair, and submarine construction. The shipyard has a rich legacy of delivering advanced maritime platforms, including the indigenously designed Fleet Support Ships and Diving Support Vessels. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a skilled workforce, HSL is at the forefront of India’s maritime defense sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
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