Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), one of India’s premier defense shipbuilding companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state’s investment promotion agency, to explore the establishment of a modern greenfield shipyard on the country’s eastern coast.
The agreement was formalized on September 19, 2025, during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The MoU marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of strengthening its shipbuilding infrastructure and advancing maritime self-reliance.
Ceremony and Key Figures
The MoU was signed by Biju George, Director (Shipbuilding) at MDL, and Dr. Darez Ahamed, Managing Director & CEO of Guidance Tamil Nadu. The event was attended by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW, underlining the government’s strong support for the initiative.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnership | MoU between MDL and Guidance Tamil Nadu |
| Objective | Development of a modern greenfield shipyard on India’s eastern coast |
| Date & Venue | September 19, 2025, Bhavnagar, Gujarat (MoPSW-organized ceremony) |
| Signatories | Biju George (MDL) and Dr. Darez Ahamed (Guidance Tamil Nadu) |
| Government Presence | Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW |
| Significance | Boosting India’s shipbuilding capacity and maritime infrastructure |
Strategic Benefits of the Partnership
- Enhanced Shipbuilding Capacity – Establishing a modern shipyard will expand India’s ability to construct advanced vessels, strengthening both defense and commercial sectors.
- Economic Growth & Jobs – The project will stimulate local economies by creating employment and generating opportunities for ancillary industries.
- Technology Transfer – Collaboration could enable the adoption of advanced global shipbuilding technologies and upskill India’s workforce.
- Strengthening Maritime Infrastructure – The shipyard supports India’s ambition of becoming self-reliant in defense and maritime industries.
- Investment Potential – The MoU can attract domestic and international investments into India’s maritime sector.
- Sustainability Focus – As a greenfield project, it emphasizes environmentally sustainable shipbuilding practices.
- Strategic Location Advantage – The eastern coast’s proximity to global trade routes improves operational efficiency and competitiveness.
- Policy & Regulatory Support – Strong government backing ensures smoother execution and project viability.
- Boost to Global Competitiveness – A world-class facility can position India as a strong global shipbuilding player.
- Public-Private Collaboration – The MoU showcases the effectiveness of collaboration between central institutions and state-level agencies.
Conclusion
The MDL–Guidance Tamil Nadu partnership is a strategic step towards bolstering India’s maritime capabilities. By combining central expertise with state-level support, the project promises to deliver enhanced shipbuilding capacity, economic growth, and sustainable development. With strong government backing, this greenfield shipyard initiative could pave the way for India to emerge as a global leader in shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure.
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