India Set to Expand Shipbuilding with New Centers in Three States

India is gearing up to boost its shipbuilding industry by setting up major shipbuilding and repair centers in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, government officials announced. This move is part of a bold plan to increase India’s share in the global shipbuilding market, which is currently under 1%, aiming to rank among the top 10 by 2030 and top five by 2047.

Exciting news is brewing as South Korea’s HD Hyundai is in talks with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to build huge ships for international trade. The likely spot for this project is Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, with a whopping Rs 10,000 crore investment on the table. “We’re working out the details for the site with HD Hyundai,” a senior official told, though the company said nothing’s set in stone yet. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat are rolling out the welcome mat for other global shipbuilding projects, catching the eye of companies from the Netherlands, France, and the Middle East.

To make this happen, the government is pouring in serious cash. A beefed-up shipbuilding support program worth Rs 18,090 crore just got a thumbs-up from the Finance Ministry, and a Rs 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund was announced in the 2025-26 Budget. This money will help build cutting-edge ships, like those for wind farms or running on green fuels, so India relies less on foreign vessels.

India’s planning to launch Bharat Container Line, its own shipping company, to take charge of global trade. The government will buy ships and upgrade shipyards with things like breakwaters and deeper ports. With the world demanding eco-friendly ships due to tougher environmental rules, India’s betting big on green tech, learning from places like Japan and South Korea. These projects are set to create jobs and boost coastal communities.