India’s shipbuilding industry should focus on improving the utilisation of existing shipyards alongside developing new infrastructure to expand domestic capacity, according to Aliasgar Hajee, Chief Executive Officer of Shipbuilding and Ship Management at SHM Shipcare.
Speaking at the ET Infra Global Ports and Shipping Summit 2026 in Mumbai, Hajee highlighted the importance of collaboration between shipyards, equipment manufacturers and maritime companies in building a globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem. He said making better use of available facilities could help the industry scale up more efficiently and avoid unnecessary duplication of infrastructure.
Collaboration to unlock existing capacity
Hajee noted that some shipyards have underutilised facilities in particular vessel segments. Partnerships could allow companies to access this capacity while contributing specialised technical expertise, helping projects progress without requiring every business to establish its own shipbuilding infrastructure.
The approach could be particularly useful for smaller and specialised vessels, where companies can combine their design and manufacturing capabilities with facilities operated by larger shipyards.
Indigenous manufacturing remains important
Hajee also emphasised the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing of ship equipment. SHM Shipcare manufactures lifesaving and firefighting equipment used in shipbuilding, supporting India’s efforts to increase domestic value addition and reduce dependence on imported components.
Developing local suppliers and specialised vendors will be important as shipbuilding activity expands, creating opportunities for engineering firms and maritime equipment manufacturers.
SHM Shipcare expands specialised capabilities
SHM Shipcare is expanding its Mumbai shipyard and focusing on specialised high-speed light craft for applications such as coastal protection and security operations. For larger vessels, the company works with bigger shipyards in a supporting capacity.
The company has also diversified into ship repair, offshore services and vessel operations to manage the cyclical nature of maritime demand. It currently owns eight vessels chartered to the oil and gas industry, according to Hajee.
Balancing new infrastructure with better utilisation
India is pursuing an ambitious expansion of its shipbuilding sector through new shipbuilding clusters and modernisation of existing facilities. The government’s Shipbuilding Development Scheme includes support for both greenfield capacity and brownfield expansion.
Hajee’s comments underline that infrastructure investment alone may not be sufficient. Stronger partnerships, greater use of existing facilities, indigenous equipment manufacturing and a robust supplier ecosystem will also be essential to improving productivity and strengthening India’s position in global shipbuilding.