A major push to strengthen India’s shipbuilding ecosystem is underway as the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board and Visakhapatnam Port Authority have joined forces to establish a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to develop a large-scale shipbuilding cluster at Dugarajapatnam.
The proposed initiative aims to create an integrated shipbuilding and maritime industrial hub capable of constructing large commercial vessels, supporting offshore structures, and providing ancillary maritime services. Officials said the SPV will oversee project planning, infrastructure development, investment mobilization and coordination with industry stakeholders.
The project is expected to include modern shipyards, dry docks, fabrication facilities and marine equipment manufacturing units, along with supporting logistics infrastructure. Authorities believe the cluster could significantly enhance India’s shipbuilding capacity and position the country as a competitive player in global ship construction.
Strategically located along the east coast, Dugarajapatnam offers proximity to major shipping lanes and industrial corridors, making it suitable for large maritime projects. The development is also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and attract private investment into the state’s maritime sector.
Industry observers say the initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts to expand domestic shipbuilding capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign shipyards. The planned cluster could also support repair, maintenance and refit operations for vessels operating in the Bay of Bengal and wider Indo-Pacific region.
Once operational, the shipbuilding hub is expected to complement existing maritime infrastructure in the region and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s position as a key maritime and industrial gateway on India’s eastern seaboard.
