Visakhapatnam / New Delhi: Addressing the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025 in Visakhapatnam, Cmde Hemant Khatri (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), stressed the urgent need for upskilling and continuous workforce development to meet the evolving demands of the maritime sector.
Upskilling as a Strategic Imperative
Speaking on the theme “Upskilling the BIMSTEC Maritime Workforce,” Cmde Khatri noted that shipbuilding is not only infrastructure-intensive but also a people-driven industry that requires constant innovation, precision, and quality.
“Shipbuilding is not just about infrastructure and machinery. It is equally about the human capital that drives innovation, precision, and quality,” he said, urging BIMSTEC nations to collaborate on skill-building initiatives.
BIMSTEC Collaboration for Regional Growth
Khatri highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation among BIMSTEC nations to build a future-ready maritime workforce. He pointed out that HSL, with its rich legacy and technical expertise, could play a catalytic role in regional maritime training and capacity building.
HSL’s involvement in the conclave aligns with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen the country’s position as a global maritime power by focusing on sustainable shipping, innovation, and skilled manpower.
Conclave Focus: Sustainable Shipping and Human Capital
The BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025 brought together policy-makers, port authorities, and industry leaders from across the Bay of Bengal region. Discussions centered around port-led development, sustainable shipping practices, and the strategic importance of human resource development in the maritime domain.
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.
