Ponnani’s New Chapter: A ₹1,200 Crore Leap into Shipbuilding

A new shipbuilding yard is set to be established at Ponnani Port in Kerala under a public–private partnership (PPP) model.

The shipyard will be developed on approximately 29 acres of coastal land on the western side of Ponnani Fishing Harbour under the Kerala Maritime Board, making it the state’s second shipyard after Kochi. The project is aimed at boosting economic activity and industrial development in the Malabar region. An agreement with the private partner is expected to be signed within the next two weeks.

In the first phase, the facility will focus on the construction of small vessels with an investment of around ₹200 crore. A wharf will be built adjacent to the breakwater to support shipbuilding activities. The second phase will involve the construction of larger vessels, with a projected investment of ₹1,000 crore over a period of seven to ten years. Once fully operational, the shipyard is expected to generate employment for nearly 1,000 people.

Highlighting the project’s significance, P. Nandakumar, MLA, said it would play a major role in Ponnani’s development and called for local cooperation to ensure its successful implementation.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.