Dighi: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Maharashtra Limited (NSHIPML) to participate as the anchor shipyard in a proposed Greenfield Shipbuilding Industrial Cluster at Dighi in Raigad district, Maharashtra.
The agreement marks a major step towards expanding India’s shipbuilding capabilities beyond defence vessels and strengthening the country’s position in the global maritime industry.
The MoU was signed at Mantralaya, Mumbai, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister for Fisheries and Ports Nitesh Rane. MDL Chairman and Managing Director Capt. Jagmohan, IN (Retd.), along with senior officials, was also present.
Dighi Shipbuilding Cluster to Attract ₹27,000 Crore Investment
The proposed Greenfield Shipbuilding Industrial Cluster at Dighi is expected to involve an investment of around ₹27,000 crore, with MDL committing substantial investment towards the development of the shipyard.
The project has also received in-principle approval for an expenditure of ₹27,500 crore under the National Shipbuilding Mission, according to the details shared by the state government. The initiative is aimed at developing a modern shipbuilding facility capable of constructing large commercial vessels and creating a supporting maritime industrial ecosystem.
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MDL to Target Up to 2 Million Gross Tonnes Annual Capacity
Under the agreement, MDL has set a target of achieving an annual shipbuilding capacity of at least 2 million gross tonnes (GT) at the proposed Dighi facility.
The project details also mention an initial planned capacity of at least 1.2 million GT per year, with the facility being developed to support large-scale commercial ship construction. The proposed shipyard is expected to include modern shipbuilding infrastructure and facilities required to support large commercial vessels.
Project Expected to Create Around 90,000 Jobs
The Dighi shipbuilding cluster is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The project is projected to create around:
- 15,000 direct jobs
- 75,000 indirect jobs
- Around 90,000 jobs in total
The cluster is also expected to support the development of ancillary industries, MSMEs, technology partners and suppliers associated with the shipbuilding sector.
Maharashtra Aims to Build Global Shipbuilding Hub
The Dighi project is being jointly developed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Mumbai Port Authority through NSHIPML, a special-purpose company established for the project.
The cluster is being developed under the Centre’s Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster Development Plan and is aligned with the objectives of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The Maharashtra government expects the project to:
- Expand domestic shipbuilding capacity.
- Support the construction of large commercial vessels.
- Attract domestic and international technology and investment.
- Develop a strong maritime supply-chain ecosystem.
- Promote ancillary industries and MSMEs.
- Generate large-scale skilled employment.
- Improve India’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
Strategic Expansion for Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
The Dighi project represents a strategic expansion for MDL, which has established capabilities in the construction of warships and submarines. The new facility will enable the company to expand into large-scale commercial shipbuilding, providing additional capacity to cater to the growing demand for commercial vessels.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to India’s broader maritime ambitions under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which seeks to strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding capabilities and global competitiveness.
The project has been driven by Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary (Defence Production), whose guidance and support have contributed to bringing the initiative to this stage.
Dighi Cluster to Strengthen Maritime Supply Chain
Apart from shipbuilding facilities, the proposed cluster will include an industrial and supply-chain ecosystem designed to support the growth of the maritime sector.
The development is expected to bring together shipbuilding companies, ancillary industries, MSMEs, technology providers and other stakeholders, creating an integrated maritime industrial ecosystem in Maharashtra.
With its location at Dighi in Raigad, the project is expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s role in India’s shipbuilding and maritime economy while contributing to the country’s efforts to increase domestic shipbuilding capacity.
About Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Defence and one of India’s leading shipyards. The company is primarily engaged in the construction of warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and other vessels for domestic and international customers.
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