Cochin Shipyard, Drydocks World eye new trade opportunities through ship repair hubs in India
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has taken a strategic step forward by expanding its partnership with Dubai-based Drydocks World, aiming to tap into India’s growing maritime trade potential. The collaboration is focused on establishing world-class ship repair clusters and scaling up offshore fabrication capacity, positioning India as a competitive player in the global ship repair and maintenance market.
This initiative builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last month in Mumbai during the visit of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. By integrating Drydocks World’s global operational standards with CSL’s infrastructure and local expertise, the partnership seeks to offer international shipping companies a reliable, cost-effective alternative for repair, retrofitting, and fabrication services in the Indian subcontinent.
A high-level delegation from Drydocks World, led by CEO Captain Rado Antolovic, recently visited CSL’s Kochi facilities. They toured key assets including the newly commissioned 310-metre dry dock and the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF), evaluating operational capacities and future project scopes. Discussions centered on fast-tracking the operationalisation of the MoU, with joint work expected to commence soon at the ISRF.
The collaboration aligns with the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aim to increase India’s share in the global maritime services trade. By developing advanced ship repair hubs and offshore fabrication yards, the partnership intends to attract regional and international trade, reduce ship repair turnarounds, and create employment opportunities while boosting ancillary industries like marine equipment supply, logistics, and engineering services.
