Shipbuilding Development Scheme boosts Gujarat with two major maritime projects

New Delhi: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways granted in-principle approval under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme for two major maritime projects in Gujarat. The projects include a Greenfield shipbuilding cluster in Porbandar and a ₹1,570-crore ship repair facility at Vadinar. Together, they will strengthen India’s shipbuilding and ship repair capacity.

Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the projects would improve India’s maritime competitiveness. He added that they would support the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Moreover, he said the projects would create a modern and efficient maritime industry.

The Greenfield shipbuilding cluster will come up at Kuchhadi in Porbandar district. It will cover nearly 2,000 acres. The National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park-Gujarat will develop the project. The special purpose vehicle includes the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Gujarat Maritime Board.

The cluster will house modern shipyards, manufacturing units and common infrastructure. It will also include capability development centres. As a result, the facility will produce 1.2 to 1.5 million gross tonnage of commercial vessels every year.

Shipbuilding Development Scheme strengthens Vadinar facility

The second project covers a ₹1,570-crore ship repair facility at Vadinar in the Gulf of Kutch. Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and Deendayal Port Authority will jointly develop the project. Earlier, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved it on May 5, 2026. Now, it has also secured in-principle approval under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme. Therefore, the project will receive 25% financial assistance on eligible capital infrastructure.

The expansion includes a 650-metre jetty, two large floating dry docks, workshops and marine support facilities. In addition, Vadinar offers a natural deep draft and a strategic location. It also lies close to Mundra and Deendayal ports. Consequently, the facility will repair vessels measuring up to 300 metres. It will also reduce India’s dependence on overseas repair yards.

Furthermore, Sonowal said the two projects would generate employment and strengthen domestic supply chains. He added that they would expand India’s maritime manufacturing ecosystem. Finally, he said the projects would help build a globally competitive shipbuilding and ship repair industry.