CSL and HD Korea Partner to Build Large Commercial Vessels in India

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) to collaborate on the construction of large commercial vessels in India. This strategic partnership is a key step toward strengthening India’s shipbuilding capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

CSL will leverage its 310-metre dry dock facility in Kochi—one of the largest in the country—which can construct up to six large vessels annually, including Suezmax tankers and Capesize bulk carriers. To support this scale of operations, CSL is developing an 80-acre advanced block fabrication facility with an annual capacity of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes, backed by an investment of approximately ₹3,700 crore. The project is expected to create around 2,000 direct jobs and generate significant indirect employment across allied industries.

In a parallel development, CSL has also signed an MoU with Tamil Nadu’s nodal investment agency to explore the development of a ₹15,000 crore greenfield shipyard. This proposed facility—potentially featuring a modern ship repair unit—is projected to generate employment for nearly 10,000 individuals.

Both initiatives align with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, reinforcing the nation’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for shipbuilding and maritime services.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.