Maharashtra to boost maritime trade with 6 new shipyard clusters

By Admin

18 Aug, 2025

Maharashtra is steering its way toward becoming a global maritime hub with an ambitious plan to establish six new shipyard clusters along its vast coastline. The initiative, led by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), aims to attract over ₹6,600 crore in investments and generate around 40,000 jobs by 2030.

First Three Shipyards Identified

The MMB has identified six potential locations for development, with Nandgaon (Palghar), Dighi (Raigad), and Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg) shortlisted for the first cluster. These shipyards will form the backbone of Maharashtra’s maritime economy, creating opportunities for trade, manufacturing, and skilled employment.

The planned facilities include:

• Nandgaon Shipyard: The largest cluster, spread over 2,666 acres (2,444 acres of land and 225 acres of intertidal zone).
  
  

• Dighi Shipyard: Covering 2,550 acres, it is positioned as another key center.
  
  

• Vijaydurg Shipyard: Requiring 1,371 acres, it adds strategic strength to the state’s maritime map.
  
  

Detailed Study and Global Standards

To ensure smooth implementation, a consultant will soon be appointed to conduct a techno-economic feasibility study and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The mandate includes:

• Market and financial analysis
  
  

• Engineering and design work
  
  

• Environmental and social impact assessments
  
  

• Risk mitigation strategies
  
  

A senior state official emphasized that the framework will “incorporate global best practices, comply with international standards, and promote indigenous shipbuilding.” With this, Maharashtra aims to align itself with international benchmarks while boosting local expertise.

Policy Backing the Initiative

The project is backed by the Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling Policy, 2025, approved by the state cabinet in April. The policy offers:

• 15% capital subsidy
  
  

• Skill development support of up to ₹1 crore per project
  
  

• R&D incentives up to ₹25 crore
  
  

• Land allocation on concessional terms with 30-year renewable leases
  
  

These incentives are designed to attract investors, shipbuilders, and global maritime companies to Maharashtra.

Phased Development Approach

Officials have confirmed that development will take place in phases, starting with one shipyard cluster. Expansion to other identified sites will depend on industry response and investment inflows.

Towards a Global Maritime Hub

With this initiative, Maharashtra is set to reshape its coastal economy, enhance shipbuilding and repair capabilities, and strengthen India’s role in global maritime trade. The focus on sustainability, skill development, and indigenous capacity-building highlights the state’s long-term vision of creating a resilient and globally competitive maritime sector.