The upcoming shipbuilding facility at Ponnani Port is set to commence operations in August, marking a major milestone in Kerala’s maritime infrastructure development. The project is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model by Hyderabad-based Travancore Precision Components, with shipbuilding activities to be undertaken by its subsidiary, Blue Gen Marine.
Spread across 29 acres within Ponnani Port, the shipyard has already secured its first international contract even before becoming operational. The company has received a ₹200 crore order from a Singapore-based company to build two electric tugboats, highlighting growing global demand for sustainable marine vessels.
The tugboats will be powered by 4,200 kWh battery systems, reflecting the industry’s shift toward green and zero-emission maritime solutions. In addition to electric tugboats, the yard will manufacture offshore support vessels and advanced fishing boats for coastal and marine operations.
During its first phase, the shipyard will be capable of constructing vessels of up to 50 metres in length. The second phase will expand the facility’s capacity to build ships of up to 120 metres, significantly enhancing Kerala’s shipbuilding capabilities.
According to Capt. Aswani Prathap K., Deputy Director of Ports, Kerala Maritime Board, preparatory work is progressing as scheduled. The agreement with the company was signed in June, and only a few minor issues, including the removal of unauthorized sheds within the project area, remain to be resolved. The first vessel from the yard is expected to be delivered in 2027.
As part of the agreement, the Kerala Government will provide an annual support of ₹1.5 crore to promote employment generation and industrial development. The company will lease the land at an annual rent of ₹25 lakh, with a 5% annual escalation.
In return, Blue Gen Marine will share a portion of its revenue with the government, contributing 0.5% of the total order value during the first two years, 0.75% over the following two years, and 1.5% thereafter.
The launch of the Ponnani shipyard is expected to strengthen Kerala’s shipbuilding ecosystem, create employment opportunities, boost exports, and position the state as an emerging hub for green vessel manufacturing and maritime engineering.
