Under the proposed plan, Deendayal Port Authority, which operates Kandla Port in Gujarat, will develop the jetty at Vadinar, one of its satellite ports. Cochin Shipyard, meanwhile, will contribute a floating dry dock and manage the ship repair yard's operation and maintenance. Deendayal Port Authority is expected to receive a fixed revenue share from ship repairs in addition to lease rentals, as per a government official familiar with the project.

The official explained that Vadinar has pre-existing environmental clearance for a dry dock and possesses a natural deep draft of 15-18 metres, negating the need for dredging and making it ideal for servicing large vessels, including Capesize ships. A senior team from Cochin Shipyard, led by Chairman and Managing Director Madhu Nair, recently visited Vadinar and showed interest in establishing a ship repair facility there.

India currently lacks a ship repair facility that can dry dock Capesize vessels, the largest ships used for dry bulk cargo. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is reviewing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the facility before presenting it to the cabinet for approval. The facility is planned to meet international standards, the government official confirmed.

With its strategic location on major Indian Ocean shipping routes, India is well-positioned to become a prominent hub for ship repair and maintenance. About 7-9% of global trade passes within 300 nautical miles of India’s coastline, highlighting the potential for growth in this sector, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8-10% over the next decade. The increase in global maritime traffic and the need for regular maintenance of aging fleets offer substantial growth opportunities in India’s ship repair industry.

The Indian government has tasked Cochin Shipyard with spearheading ship repair cluster development efforts nationwide. Although some major shipyards exist, most yards have limited repair infrastructure, with about 30% of vessels in India’s addressable market currently serviced by dry docks abroad due to infrastructure constraints and turnaround times. By leveraging its geographic advantage, expanding infrastructure, and implementing supportive policies, India aims to establish itself as a leading global destination for ship repair and maintenance services.