Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy fabrication firm, has inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) for a strategic investment worth Rs 4,250 crore. The move is expected to modernise shipyard infrastructure, build a maritime cluster, and create a skilled workforce to boost India’s shipbuilding ecosystem. 

The partnership will channel Rs 3,500 crore into expanding capacity at SDHI’s shipyard in Pipavav Port, Gujarat, home to India’s largest dry dock capable of handling vessels up to 400,000 DWT. Planned upgrades include new slipways, jetties, cranes, block fabrication facilities and dredging, aimed at catering to rising domestic and global shipbuilding demand.

In addition, Rs 200 crore will be invested in a world-class Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Maritime, designed to train more than 1,000 youth annually in cutting-edge shipbuilding and marine technologies. Equipped with smart classrooms, advanced simulators, and specialised labs, the CoE will also support innovation in design, retrofits, and R&D.

SDHI will further invest Rs 550 crore in developing a 200-acre Maritime Cluster within the shipyard to host ancillary industries, suppliers, and support services. The cluster is expected to create a maritime hub that fosters innovation, strengthens supply chains, and bolsters India’s position in global trade.

Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena (Retd), CEO of SDHI, said the collaboration reflects a long-term vision for the sector. “By investing in infrastructure, capacity, and skill development, we will add world-class capabilities that accelerate India’s shipbuilding ecosystem. SDHI is laying the foundation for a new era of growth and cementing our nation’s place on the global maritime map for decades to come.”

The initiative aligns with the government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to propel India into global leadership in shipbuilding, innovation, and maritime trade.

Source: Businessworld 

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