Andhra Pradesh, with a coastline stretching 1,053 km—one of the longest in the country—continues to strengthen its position as a key maritime hub on India’s eastern seaboard. Strategically located along the central east coast, the state is accelerating efforts to unlock its coastal and maritime potential through sustainable, investor-driven development.
In a significant move, the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) will soon float a Request for Proposal (RFP) to establish a modern, investor-owned shipbuilding and ship repair facility at Machilipatnam. The project is envisioned as a critical component of the state’s broader strategy to promote port-led industrial growth.
The proposed facility will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model. According to Special Chief Secretary (Maritime & Infrastructure) MT Krishna Babu, the structure aims to combine private sector efficiency with long-term public oversight. The model is expected to attract experienced domestic and global players with strong technical expertise and financial capabilities.
The groundwork for the project has already been completed, with both the Tender Evaluation Committee (TEC) and the Empowered Procurement Committee (EPC) approving the draft RFP. The CEO of the AP Maritime Board has been authorised to initiate further necessary action to advance the project.
Welcoming the decision, Machilipatnam MP V Balashowry described the initiative as a transformational step for the region. He noted that Machilipatnam has long awaited a large-scale maritime project capable of reshaping its economic landscape. The proposed shipbuilding and repair facility is expected to generate substantial employment, boost ancillary industries, and promote skill development, significantly enhancing the constituency’s economic profile.
The project marks a strategic milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to strengthen its maritime infrastructure and position itself as a competitive hub for shipbuilding and ship repair in the region.
