Indian Shipbuilding Industry : News & Updates

India’s shipbuilding rise opens doors for global collaboration, says Fincantieri CEO

By Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, Last Updated: Mar 15, 2025, 10:32:00 PM IST
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Pierroberto Folgiero, Managing Director and CEO of Fincantieri

Synopsis
Fincantieri, a leading global shipbuilding company, views India as a key partner for co-developing and co-producing next-generation vessels, emphasizing collaboration with Indian shipyards. CEO Pierroberto Folgiero discusses opportunities in naval defence, advancements in submarine technology, and strategic partnerships, aligning with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to enhance self-reliance and joint ventures in the Indo-Pacific region.

Fincantieri is one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world, with over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built.

Fincantieri is the exclusive supplier for the Italian Navy, a partner of the US Navy and numerous foreign navies, and a key player in some of the most important European Defence partnership programs. In an exclusive interview with ET’s Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, Pierroberto Folgiero, Managing Director and CEO of Fincantieri SpA, explores shipbuilding opportunities & IMEEC partnership with India.

India is emerging as a global hub for shipbuilding. How does Fincantieri see opportunities for partnership with Indian shipyards and industry players ?


India’s growth from primarily a domestic focus to a global player in shipbuilding, in tandem with its rise to the fastest-growing large economy in the world, brings exciting opportunities for collaboration, and we view this as an invitation to share knowledge and build upon complementary strengths.

Fincantieri sees India not just as a market but as a long-term partner in co-development, co-production and capability enhancement. Our longstanding partnerships with Cochin Shipyard and Mazagon Dock Limited have already laid a strong foundation, and as India and Italy navigate common interests and challenges in the Indo-Mediterranean region, the potential for strategic collaboration has never been greater. Building on the terms of The Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan, we envision forging long-term alliances with Indian shipyards and industry leaders to co-develop next-generation vessels for both defence and commercial applications. By combining India’s manufacturing expertise with Fincantieri’s cutting-edge technologies in naval defence, offshore platforms and environmentally sustainable ships, we can jointly raise the bar for innovation and operational excellence.

How is Fincantieri contributing to advancements in underwater defence and submarine technologies?


The future of naval dominance is increasingly shifting below the surface and submarine warfare, once the domain of stealth and endurance, is now being revolutionized by artificial intelligence, unmanned underwater vehicles and next-generation propulsion systems.

Fincantieri has long been at the vanguard of innovation in underwater defence, particularly in the design and construction of cutting-edge submarines that blend extreme stealth with operational superiority. Our innovations in air-independent propulsion technology enhance endurance, while our expertise in composite material construction reduces acoustic signatures. We are also deeply invested in autonomous underwater systems, leveraging AI-driven situational awareness to redefine submarine warfare. This is a world where maritime theatres are becoming more contested and these technologies are crucial in ensuring submarines operate undetected, offering naval forces the edge in maneuvering and outpacing emerging threats.

Fincantieri is involved in multiple European defence programmes. How can such expertise contribute to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) vision in defence ?


The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative is not just about indigenization, it is about developing a truly sovereign and globally competitive defence ecosystem. Our leadership role in the EU defence industry, in designing next-generation warships, submarines and naval auxiliaries, positions us as a knowledge partner in India’s quest for self-reliance. Through technology transfer, co-development and joint ventures, we can help India strengthen its indigenous shipbuilding industry.

Additionally, Fincantieri’s advanced solutions in areas like naval defence, propulsion systems, and materials science will complement India’s growing focus on cutting-edge technologies. By partnering with Indian industry players, we can provide the technological know-how needed to create world-class platforms that meet both domestic and global requirements and foster the development of local manufacturing capabilities while supporting the transfer of critical technologies.

How do you see the strategic partnership between India and Italy evolving in the Indo-Pacific context ?


The Indo-Pacific is no longer just a geopolitical theatre - it is the epicenter of the 21st-century maritime order. Italy’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific, coupled with India’s leadership in regional security initiatives, presents a strong opportunity to strengthen ties. Fincantieri sees this partnership extending beyond shipbuilding into broader areas such as maritime domain awareness, joint naval exercises and collaborative R&D in emerging maritime technologies to underpin India’s role as a net security provider.

From a strategic standpoint, India’s ambition to expand its naval reach aligns with Italy’s expertise in designing high-endurance vessels optimised for long-range operations. This convergence creates space for co-developing next-generation warships and undersea platforms that enhance deterrence and operational reach in the Indo-Pacific.

Even more important is, as the Indo-Pacific witnesses increasing contestation, the need for interoperable, high-tech maritime solutions becomes critical. Fincantieri’s expertise in designing naval platforms for multinational operations offers India an edge in forming stronger, more cohesive regional coalitions in key maritime corridors.

What role do you see for advanced shipbuilding and maritime technology in supporting the logistics and security of IMEEC ?


The IMEEC is a bold initiative that redefines global trade connectivity, and from a shipbuilding perspective, advanced technologies will be crucial to ensuring that this project thrives and that vessels are not only efficient but also resilient against emerging threats.

The success of an initiative of this magnitude hinges on cutting-edge technology that improves both vessel performance and fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and ensuring rapid, safe passage across global trade routes. Additionally, the integration of smart technologies for predictive maintenance and cybersecurity will safeguard vessels from covert threats, while reducing emissions in line with global environmental standards. These advancements will not only increase the efficiency of the IMEC trade corridor but also bolster its resilience, securing a sustainable and reliable global supply chain for the future.

India’s shipbuilding rise opens doors for global collaboration, says Fincantieri CEO
 
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Foreign Shipyards Look to Dock at Indian Shores


India is mapping a course to become a shipbuilding powerhouse, forging strategic joint ventures between its state-owned enterprises and maritime giants from South Korea and Japan. State-run enterprises are engaging companies including Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha of South Korea and Mitsui of Japan, two people aware of the plans said, in an ambitious bid to secure a larger share of the global demand and reduce India's reliance on overstretched Asian shipyards.


State-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) may join hands with Hyundai Heavy Industries for a new facility in Kochi, the people said on the condition of anonymity. Cochin Shipyard confirmed the talks, but did not identify the future partner. A Hyundai team had visited India early this year for a preliminary survey for investing in Indian shipbuilding.

"We are close to signing a deal with an overseas shipbuilder from Korea or Japan that would be making hulls for large ships," said Madhu S. Nair, chairman and managing director, Cochin Shipyard.

"We already have a large 310m dry dock that can also be used by the new joint venture for making ships of different sizes up to 300m in length. A foreign partnership will help in bringing technology and scale required for making large ship hulls using tonnes of steel. The new facility should roll out ships in double-digits to meet both domestic and overseas demand," Nair added.

Land for the new facility will be provided by the government-owned Cochin Port Trust, close to Cochin Shipyard's existing facility in Kochi, one of the two people said. The new facility will build cargo ships, container vessels, tankers, dry bulk cargo ships and multi-purpose vessels. It would, however, not make very large crude carriers (VLCCs) due to infrastructural shortcomings, but may consider it later depending on market conditions.


Separately, Korean shipbuilder Hanwha is scouting for partnerships with both government and private entities in India, the second person said. The company may consider a shipbuilding facility planned near Gujarat's Kandla Port, a Union government-owned port with ample land and basic infrastructure for shipbuilding and repairs. Also, a team from Japanese shipmaker Mitsui OSK Shipping is expected in India around June, the people said. Among the main tasks for the group would be to seek local partnerships.

"The first deal for a large shipbuild-ing facility may be reached in the next couple of months, with a few other deals expected before the end of the current year. Ship manufactur-ing in India will help the country become a major hub for ships after Korea, Japan and China," said the second person.

Queries sent to the ports ministry, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean and Mitsui remained unanswered. Mint had reported in September that India is looking for investments from Korea and Japan for its shipbuilding ambitions.
 

PRESS RELEASE | GRSE Commences Construction of State-of-the-Art Acoustic Research Ship for NPOL, DRDO

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Kolkata (April 16, 2025): It was a red-letter day for Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, when it commenced construction of an Acoustic Research Ship (ARS) being built for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Chief Guest at the occasion was Dr Sameer V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman, DRDO. Among the others present were Cmde P R Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, Dr Chandrika Kaushik, DG (PC & SI), DRDO, Dr D Seshagiri, Director, NPOL, Shri RK Dash, Director (Finance), GRSE, Cdr. Shantanu Bose, IN(Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, DIG Subrato Ghosh, ICG(Retd), Director (Personnel), GRSE, Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, CVO, GRSE, and Senior Officials of GRSE & DRDO.

The contract between GRSE and NPOL for the ARS was signed in October 2024. The 93 m long and 18 m wide ARS will be a very advanced platform, that will have a complement of 120 personnel and will be capable of speeds ranging from 4 knots to 12 knots. At top speed, the ship will have an endurance of 30 days or 4,500 nautical miles in a single mission.

The capabilities of the ARS will include deployment, towing and retrieval of various equipment such as acoustic modules, carrying out temporal and/or spatial high-resolution surveys of sound velocity profiles and collection of ocean tides/current information to be used for survey optimization, design of underwater moorings and offshore deployments.

The research vessel will also carry out meteorological surveys to understand the influence of atmospheric parameters in sound propagation studies and undertake shallow water acoustic reverberation studies. It will also be capable of launching, mooring and maintaining standalone buoys and collecting data from them. Its wide speed range will allow the ship to operate at multiple speed regimes to carry out acoustic systems trials, while maintaining silence.

The ARS will also have a dynamic positioning system that will allow it to maintain position in intact condition up to Sea State 4. The vessel will have diesel-electric propulsion, and three (3) deck cranes will be fitted on board to handle research equipment.

GRSE has necessary experience in the construction of research and survey ships. It delivered the first series of Sandhayak Class of Survey Vessels to the Navy in the 80’s & 90s. In 1994, GRSE delivered the INS Sagardhwani. This is a Marine Acoustic Research Vessel that is still in service. In 2023 and 2024, GRSE delivered the INS Sandhayak and INS Nirdeshak to the Navy. These are the first two vessels of the second series of four Sandhayak Class of Survey Vessels (Large) being built by the shipyard.

On July 16, 2024, GRSE also signed a contract with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, for construction of an advanced Ocean Research Vessel (ORV).

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman DRDO, said, "An acoustic research ship is going to be very critical for us to build our underwater domain awareness capability." He also added, "This ship is a successor to our Sagardhwani, which was also built by GRSE, and I would like to compliment GRSE because Sagardhwani has served us very well for more than 30 years now."

Cmde P R Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, said “As a fully diversified shipyard, our shipbuilding products range from complex warships to specialized research vessels like this ARS, Hybrid Platforms, Dredgers, Ferries and Commercial Ships. This is a momentous occasion as we launch ourselves into another prestigious project for our Defence Establishment”.
 
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Mazagon in negotiations to acquire controlling stake in CDPLC


It is reported that Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) from India is in advanced negotiations to acquire a controlling stake in financially troubled Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC).

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd is on track to acquire a majority stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading shipbuilder, by purchasing 51% from Japan’s Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected by the end of April, solidifying the deal.

Colombo Dockyard, listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, has been facing severe financial challenges, reporting losses of Rs 2.48 billion in 2024 and escalating liabilities of Rs 38.28 billion. Despite setbacks, the company plays a crucial role in ship repairs and aims to expand its expertise into high-value shipbuilding and offshore engineering.

Mazagon Dock, primarily a defence shipbuilder, is positioning itself as a frontrunner after previous bids from a UAE-based company and Sri Lankan firms fell through. The deal is strategically important for India, reinforcing its maritime influence while countering China’s growing presence in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure.

The acquisition could bring a much-needed financial boost to Colombo Dockyard, creating jobs and attracting investment. However, trade unions have voiced concerns over job security and management changes. Onomichi Dockyard has been seeking an exit, and discussions are reportedly progressing swiftly, though the final decision remains with the Japanese firm.
 
Udupi CSL deliver first cargo ship to Norwegian company

Udupi-CSL delivers emission-free 3800 DWT vessel to Wilson Ship Management, part of Norway’s green funding program

By BL Kochi Bureau
Updated - April 24, 2025, at 06:45 PM.
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Wilson Eco 1 is constructed as an environmental-friendly diesel electric vessel and is also ready for upgradation by installation of wind foil units and battery hybrid systems

Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd (Udupi-CSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Ltd has delivered the first in series of six 3800 T DW dry cargo vessels to Wilson Ship Management AS, Norway, the largest short sea shipping company in Europe.

The vessel Wilson Eco 1 is a 3800 DWT dry cargo vessel and an ambitious project under the Norwegian government green funding programme aimed at emission-free transport solutions. The ship is constructed at a cost of around ₹506 crore. The event was held at New Mangalore Port, according to a press release.

Wilson Ship Management is the largest short sea fleet and they transport about 15 million tonnes dry cargo every year across Europe. The company has a fleet of around 130 vessels ranging from 1500 to 8500 DWT, all of similar design with a core objective to carry any cargo at any time.

Subsequent to start of production of the 3800 series vessels, the company has signed a further order for construction of Eight 6300 TDW General Cargo Vessels with Udupi-CSL at a total cost of ₹1041 crore.

Wilson Eco 1 is constructed as an environmental-friendly diesel electric vessel and is also ready for upgradation by installation of wind foil units and battery hybrid systems. These vessels are intended for transport of general cargo through inland as well as coastal waters of Europe. It is designed as an all-weather ship for unrestricted operation, with unmanned machinery space certification.

It is also equipped with all navigation and communication equipment as per the latest class and flag requirements. The ship has a complement of nine persons including six officers and three ratings.

Udupi CSL deliver first cargo ship to Norwegian company
 

Land selected for shipbuilding, repair centres in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu & Gujarat​

India is set to boost its shipbuilding industry with mega centers in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. HD Hyundai is reportedly partnering with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to build large vessels, potentially investing ₹10,000 crore in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Land selected for shipbuilding, repair centres in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu & Gujarat
 

India Plans to Spend $10 Billion on Homebuilt Oil Tanker Fleet


India plans to spend 850 billion rupees ($10 billion) to purchase 112 crude carriers through 2040, people familiar with the matter said, as the world’s third-biggest importer of oil seeks to have its own fleet to secure supplies.

State-owned oil companies currently operate an aging fleet that’s mostly on-charter from global companies and the shipping and petroleum ministries want to change that, said the people, who asked not to be identified citing rules. The plan’s first phase involves purchasing 79 ships, of which 30 of them would be medium-range vessels, they said.

The purchase order for 10 tankers should come out as early as this month, the people said. Only ships built locally — even if there’s foreign collaboration — will be considered for purchase, they said.

Despite the global push for transition to cleaner sources of energy, India’s crude oil refining capacity is set to expand — to 450 million tons by the end of the decade from about 250 million tons now — on the back of growing domestic and overseas demand for oil products. For a nation that relies on imports for the bulk of its crude oil needs, it’s imperative to have sufficient shipping capacity of its own to carry out its energy trade.


India targets to raise the share of locally built oil tankers in its fleet to 7% by 2030 from 5% at present, the people said. The idea is to eventually increase it to 69% by 2047 — the deadline the country has set for becoming a developed nation.

The shipping and petroleum ministries and the government’s Press Information Bureau didn’t immediately respond to emailed requests for comments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government this year announced a 250 billion-rupee fund to support the country’s maritime sector, with one of its goals being to eventually reduce reliance on foreign-built vessels and bolster indigenous shipbuilding capacity.

India is also planning to add shipping capacity for transporting coal, fertilizer and steel, the people said. The idea is to replace most of it with India-built ships going ahead.

Lacking Scale​

India’s ship building industry is still nascent and lacks scale in the absence of sufficient captive demand for ships, the people said. The economies of scale will follow once global shipbuilding companies come to India and build for the world, they said.

While the MT Maharshi Parashuram is the largest India-built oil tanker at 238-meters long and a deadweight tonnage of 93,332 metric tons, it dwarfs in comparison to China’s Minsheng Financial Leasing-owned Oceania — a supertanker measuring 380 meters long and boasting a deadweight tonnage of 441,584 metric tons.

The Indian government’s intent is to provide demand side stimulus for ship building companies, the people said, adding the country is inviting shipbuilders from Japan and South Korea to build ships with the promise of incentives.

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. is in discussions with India’s state-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd. for a new facility in the southwestern Indian coastal city of Kochi, local media reported. India has also held talks with Korean shipbuilders Samsung Heavy Industries Co. and Japan’s Nippon Yusen KK, also known as NYK Line, a local official had said earlier.


“It is a good move from energy security point of view since the dependence on China for a lot of these services is high,” according to Rajiv Jalota, a former chairman of government-owned Mumbai Port Trust. “The world needs to develop alternatives.”
 
South Korean Shipbuilding Giant HD Hyundai Plans to Build a Shipyard in India

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), a global leader in shipbuilding, is exploring potential sites in India for a new shipyard. The company has conducted site visits in Tamil Nadu and is in discussions with multiple states and industry players, aligning with India's goal to become a major player in global shipbuilding.

Edited by: Samannay Biswas
Updated Feb 27, 2025, 15:25 IST
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This move follows a visit by an Indian delegation led by Ports and Shipping Ministry Secretary T.K. Ramachandran in December 2023 to major South Korean shipyards, including HD Hyundai, to discuss collaboration opportunities.

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), a shipbuilding giant with nearly 10 per cent of the global market share, has initiated plans to set up a shipyard in India, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure. A delegation from HHI visited Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi and Cuddalore earlier this month, also engaging with L&T executives regarding potential collaboration at L&T’s Kattupalli shipyard.

Multiple States Compete for Investment

While Tamil Nadu has been a key focus, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are also in contention, aggressively vying to host the shipyard. A source familiar with the developments stated, “The competition between states is very intense now. HD Hyundai is keen on expanding into India to cater to local demand.”

This move follows a visit by an Indian delegation led by Ports and Shipping Ministry Secretary T.K. Ramachandran in December 2023 to major South Korean shipyards, including HD Hyundai, to discuss collaboration opportunities.

Strategic Partnership and Technology Sharing

HHI is exploring partnerships with Indian shipyards to capitalise on the growing demand for vessels and increase its market share in India. A shipping industry veteran highlighted the benefits of HHI’s potential entry, stating, “They will share advanced shipbuilding technologies and open access to key contracts with global equipment makers, enhancing India’s shipbuilding ecosystem.”

India’s Shipbuilding Aspirations and Policy Push

Currently, India accounts for less than 1 per cent of global shipbuilding but aims to be among the top 10 by 2030 and top 5 by 2047. The Indian government has proposed a new shipping enterprise with plans to expand its fleet by 1,000 vessels in the next decade, targeting a one-third reduction in international freight costs by 2047.

An industry expert noted that rising environmental regulations and global trade expansion have spurred increased demand for shipbuilding. “Existing yards are full, and capacity expansion is a priority. HHI previously attempted to set up operations in the Philippines but faced challenges. With India now prioritising local shipbuilding, this is an ideal opportunity for HHI to establish a base outside Korea,” the expert added.

HD Hyundai’s Legacy and Global Impact

Founded in 1947 by Chung Ju-yung, HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding operations began in the 1970s, culminating in one of the world’s largest shipyards along Mipo Bay in Ulsan, Korea. The facility spans four kilometres, houses ten large drydocks and nine Goliath cranes, and has delivered over 2,300 ships to 335 clients across 51 countries.

HHI’s workforce includes 15,000 employees, and recent financial reports highlight a quadrupling of operating profit to 705.2 billion won, reflecting strong growth.

Potential Impact on Indian Shipbuilding

If HHI establishes a shipyard in India, it could transform the domestic shipbuilding sector, enhancing technology sharing, shipowner confidence, and investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company’s decision in the coming months will be pivotal in shaping India’s maritime industry and global shipbuilding ambitions.

South Korean Shipbuilding Giant HD Hyundai Plans To Build A Shipyard In India


Larsen & Toubro Limited - L&T Shipbuilding Applied for EC for Proposed Infrastructure Developments at L&T Complex, Kattupalli. TN.
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