Andhra Pradesh Government Issues EoI for Development of Shipbuilding and Repair Cluster.

The Andhra Pradesh government has issued a global expression of interest (EoI) for the development of an integrated shipbuilding and repair cluster, aimed at bolstering the state’s maritime infrastructure and contributing to India's broader maritime and decarbonization goals. This initiative is in line with India's strategic push to become a global hub for shipbuilding while promoting sustainability and green technologies in the maritime sector.

The state government has pledged comprehensive support for the development of the cluster, including infrastructure development, expedited approvals, fiscal incentives, and logistical assistance. According to the EoI document, the project aims to align with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns, focusing on indigenization and reducing reliance on imports.

The planned cluster will provide a full ecosystem for the shipbuilding industry, encompassing raw material supply, ancillary industries, logistics, quality control, and cutting-edge technologies. The goal is to create an end-to-end solution that meets global demand while advancing decarbonization and electrification efforts within the maritime sector.

The state has invited firms to submit innovative proposals, including projects such as shipyards, dry docks, repair facilities, and any related infrastructure that supports industrial growth in Andhra Pradesh. The project aims to position the state as a global leader in sustainable shipbuilding and repair.

Andhra Pradesh’s strategic location along India’s eastern seaboard, with its 1,053 km coastline, makes it an ideal site for such a project. The state is already home to several operational ports, including one major port and five minor ports, with four more under development. These ports are connected through an established network of national highways, railways, and air freight services, ensuring efficient transportation for goods and materials.

Additionally, the state’s proximity to the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC), and the upcoming Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor (CBIC) and Hyderabad-Bangalore Industrial Corridor (HBIC), further enhances its connectivity to inland industrial hubs and global export routes.

The proposed cluster will also emphasize green technologies, including the development of electric vessels, hybrid propulsion systems, fuel-efficient engines, and alternative fuel-powered ships such as those running on hydrogen, LNG, or biofuels. The initiative aims to promote sustainable ship recycling practices, as well as the construction and repair of ships that adhere to environmental standards.

Firms will be encouraged to collaborate with global partners to bring the latest technologies and best practices to Andhra Pradesh, while also establishing shipbuilding academies and technical training centers to upskill the workforce in advanced shipbuilding, repair, and green technologies.

The Andhra Pradesh government’s initiative is designed to make the state a key player in the global maritime industry, fostering innovation, sustainability, and job creation in the sector.

ET