The Indian government has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art shipbuilding hub in the Thoothukudi district, which will have the capacity to construct both naval warships and commercial cargo vessels, depending on demand. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal revealed that the facility would also be capable of building Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), massive ships designed to transport nearly two million barrels of crude oil.
Sonowal announced while addressing the 10th Convocation of the Indian Maritime University (IMU), where over 2,100 students graduated. He said the project represents a major step in strengthening India’s shipbuilding and maritime capabilities.
Recently, the central government confirmed that two leading defence shipbuilders—Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)—have signed MoUs with the Tamil Nadu government to invest a combined ₹30,000 crore ($3.4 billion) in the Thoothukudi hub. A Detailed Project Report (DPR), covering technical, financial, environmental, and legal aspects, is currently under preparation.
CSL, the builder of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, also constructs commercial ships and tugs for global clients. MDL, which builds Scorpene-class submarines under license and India’s frontline destroyers such as the Kolkata and Visakhapatnam-class warships, will also play a key role in the project.
The shipbuilding hub is expected to position India as a major global player in both defence and commercial shipbuilding.