Cochin Shipyard Explores Joint Ventures with Global Shipbuilders for Expansion.

Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is in talks with major global shipbuilders to establish joint ventures for shipbuilding and repair, focusing on technical collaborations and brownfield expansion.

“We are in discussions with leading shipbuilding firms for brownfield expansion. Our new ₹1,800-crore dry dock is ready to construct large merchant vessels, and we are exploring partnerships with Korean firms for high-quality block fabrication facilities,” said Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL.

As part of its expansion strategy, CSL participated in a delegation to Korea and Japan, aiming to increase its global competitiveness in shipbuilding. The company is also scouting for a site in Kochi to set up a large fabrication facility to enhance the turnaround time for building ships at its new dry dock.

“Over the past two decades, we have built high-quality ships for both defence and commercial sectors. Now, we aim to scale up with strong global partnerships,” Nair added.

Highlighting India’s maritime trade, Nair noted that the country paid $85 billion in freight charges last year, with $75 billion going to foreign shipping firms. “As India moves toward a $30 trillion economy, there will be a growing need for Indian-owned or controlled shipping companies,” he said.

Additionally, CSL plans to expand its ₹970-crore Integrated Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) at Willingdon Island by adding up to 10 new workstations in collaboration with an international partner, a move that could require an investment of around ₹1,500 crore.

CSL is also investing ₹35 crore in developing an Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) for both defence and civilian applications, with partial government funding for the R&D project.

HBL