Mumbai : Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Maharashtra Limited (NSHIPML) to participate as the Anchor Shipyard in the proposed Greenfield Shipbuilding Industrial Cluster at Dighi in Raigad, Maharashtra.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, marking a significant step towards developing large-scale shipbuilding infrastructure and strengthening the state’s maritime industrial ecosystem.
The agreement was signed on behalf of MDL by Capt. Jagmohan, Chairman & Managing Director, while Shri Pradeep P., Managing Director, signed on behalf of NSHIPML.
Proposed Investment of Around ₹15,000 Crore
NSHIPML is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly constituted by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Mumbai Port Authority for developing the proposed greenfield shipbuilding cluster in Maharashtra.
The initiative is being pursued under the Government of India’s framework for greenfield shipbuilding cluster development and is aligned with the objectives of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Under the MoU, MDL has envisaged a shipbuilding capacity of at least 1.2 million Gross Tonnage (GT) per annum, with a proposed investment of approximately ₹15,000 crore.The proposed facility is intended to support the construction of large commercial vessels and contribute to expanding India’s overall maritime industrial capacity.
MDL to Expand into Large-Scale Commercial Shipbuilding
Speaking on the occasion, Capt. Jagmohan, Chairman & Managing Director, MDL, said that the MoU represents an important step in the company’s expansion from its established expertise in warship and submarine construction towards large-scale commercial shipbuilding. He said MDL would bring its experience in complex ship construction, engineering, project management and development of a strong domestic vendor ecosystem to the Dighi project. The company also acknowledged the support of the Maharashtra Government, including Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Cabinet Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development Shri Nitish Rane, for the initiative.
Building a Modern Maritime Industrial Ecosystem
The proposed Dighi development is expected to create modern shipbuilding infrastructure along with an associated industrial and supply-chain ecosystem.
The project is aimed at supporting national objectives related to:
- Expanding India’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity
- Attracting technology and investment
- Generating skilled employment
- Strengthening the domestic maritime supply chain
- Enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global shipbuilding sector
The proposed cluster is expected to bring together shipbuilding capabilities and supporting industries, creating an integrated ecosystem for large-scale maritime manufacturing.
MoU Valid for Five Years
The MoU establishes the framework for the strategic partnership between MDL and NSHIPML. It will remain valid for five years from its effective date, or until it is superseded by a comprehensive Concession Agreement, including the Lease Agreement, whichever is earlier. The Dighi initiative represents MDL’s proposed expansion into commercial shipbuilding while supporting Maharashtra’s ambition to strengthen its position within India’s growing maritime industrial landscape.
