Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) to forge a long-term strategic collaboration in the shipbuilding domain. The MoU was formalized during the “Samudra se Samriddhi – Transforming India’s Maritime Sector” event inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Under this partnership, CSL’s newly inaugurated 310-meter dry dock in Kochi — inaugurated on January 17, 2024 — will be leveraged to build large vessels such as Suezmax tankers, container ships, and Capesize bulk carriers. This facility has the capacity to produce up to six vessels annually under the collaboration.
To support the expanded shipbuilding operations, CSL and HD KSOE plan to develop a Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) spanning ~80 acres in Kochi with an estimated investment of ₹3,700 crore. The facility is targeted to deliver an annual throughput of 1,20,000 metric tonnes.
Beyond new construction, the collaboration also includes the joint execution of shipbuilding projects at CSL’s existing yards while exploring opportunities in new shipyards, skill development, and greenfield expansions.
Additionally, CSL has signed a second MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu, aiming to develop shipbuilding clusters in the state. CSL is also evaluating a ₹15,000 crore state-of-the-art greenfield shipyard in Tamil Nadu, which could generate up to 10,000 jobs (including 4,000 direct jobs and 6,000 indirect).
This collaboration is aligned with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, reinforcing CSL’s ambition to position India as a major global shipbuilding hub.