Global shipping major Maersk will undertake its first planned vessel drydocking in India at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai, marking a significant step in the development of the country’s ship repair and maritime services industry.
The Singapore-flagged container vessel Maersk Chattogram is expected to arrive at the shipyard on October 20, 2026, subject to operational and weather conditions. The project represents the first operational milestone under a maritime partnership signed by Maersk and L&T during India Maritime Week 2025.
The scheduled maintenance programme will include a special survey and inspection, along with maintenance and overhaul work covering the vessel’s hull, structure, machinery, equipment and propulsion systems. Drydocking allows ships to be taken out of the water for detailed inspection and repairs to components that are normally submerged.
The partnership provides a framework for cooperation in shipbuilding, ship repair and knowledge sharing, with a focus on global technical standards and developing domestic capabilities. Maersk said the initiative would help align its fleet requirements with India’s expanding shipyard, supplier and maritime services ecosystem.
For L&T, the assignment offers an opportunity to apply its shipyard capabilities to the maintenance requirements of a major international shipping line. The collaboration is also expected to support the development of local supply chains, technical expertise and skilled manpower in India’s maritime sector.
The project comes amid India’s efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding and ship repair capacity and position the country as a competitive destination for international maritime services. Securing maintenance work from global shipping operators could help Indian shipyards expand their role in the international market.
The drydocking of Maersk Chattogram is therefore an important initial step in the Maersk–L&T partnership, with potential to support further cooperation in vessel maintenance, ship repair and related maritime activities.