Dugraja Pattinam, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian government has announced a significant investment in the shipbuilding sector with the establishment of a modern greenfield shipyard in Dugraja Pattinam, Andhra Pradesh. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a public sector defense company, will spearhead this initiative, investing approximately ₹15,000 crores over the next five to seven years, pending necessary approvals.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday between MDL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Captain Jagmohan (Retd.), and Praveen Aditya, Managing Director of the National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park – Andhra Pradesh (NSHIP-AP). Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was present at the signing ceremony.
The Andhra Pradesh government is working on a plan to develop a shipbuilding and port cluster in Dugraja Pattinam. According to a techno-economic feasibility report, the estimated cost for the shipbuilding and repair yard is ₹29,254 crores, while the port development is projected to cost ₹9,513 crores. The central government is set to oversee the port’s development.
Under the MoU, MDL aims to create around 45,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, through this investment. The proposed shipyard will have an annual design capacity of 1.2 million gross tons, with potential for future expansion based on market demand. It will manufacture various vessels, including tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, LNG carriers, and other specialized ships.
This shipbuilding cluster is part of the central government’s Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SBDS). The special purpose vehicle NSHIP-AP, formed by the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, has selected MDL as the anchor shipyard for this project.
Chief Minister Naidu emphasized India’s ambition to be among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047, with Andhra Pradesh playing a pivotal role in this journey. He stated that the state would leverage its extensive coastline, strategic geographical position, and robust industrial ecosystem to accelerate maritime development.
Naidu added that MDL’s involvement in the Dugraja Pattinam shipbuilding cluster would position Andhra Pradesh as a major shipbuilding hub, attracting investment and ancillary industries. He highlighted that the project would generate substantial employment and new opportunities in shipbuilding, marine engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and related sectors.
Captain Jagmohan remarked on the potential to develop a globally competitive shipyard in Dugraja Pattinam, citing the availability of marine resources. He reiterated MDL’s commitment to creating modern facilities that cater to both domestic and international market needs.
Jasmeet Singh Bindra, Chairperson of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, confirmed the authority’s commitment to the shipbuilding cluster’s development, given their 50% stake in NSHIP-AP. They will work closely with the central government and other agencies to facilitate this project.
Kona Shashidhar, Secretary of the Infrastructure and Investment Department of Andhra Pradesh, noted that selecting MDL as the anchor shipyard is a significant achievement for the state’s maritime development. He believes the project has the potential to foster a robust shipbuilding and ancillary industry ecosystem in Dugraja Pattinam.
The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board will ensure the timely development of the project by providing the necessary land, infrastructure, and regulatory approvals.
Leave a Comment