Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has taken two major steps towards boosting Kerala’s maritime ecosystem, inking separate deals that promise world-class infrastructure and a new wave of skilled jobs for Indians passionate about ships and the sea.
The first agreement was between CSL and Drydocks World, one of the world’s top ship repair companies from Dubai’s DP World. Together, they signed an Agreement of Heads of Terms to develop India’s very first “ship repair cluster” at Kochi’s International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF). Announced at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, this collaboration adds to Kerala’s bid as a premium destination for fixing, maintaining, and upgrading ships.
The ISRF’s modern ship lift system and docking facilities mean it can serve a huge variety of vessels—from cargo ships to offshore support vessels—right where major international shipping routes cross India.
CSL Chairman Madhu S Nair said, “Leveraging our complementary strengths, we aim to elevate India’s ship repair and maintenance standards to global benchmarks”.
Drydocks World CEO Captain Rado Anotolovic added, “Our partnership with Cochin Shipyard marks another milestone in DP World’s commitment to strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and competitiveness.”
From ships to wayfarers
The second deal, signed on the same day, saw CSL join forces with both Drydocks World and the Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding (CEMS) to develop a skilled maritime workforce. This three-way MoU zeroes in on building talent for shipbuilding and repair, aiming to make India a global hub for highly trained professionals.
Training will combine CEMS’s advanced simulation programs, CSL’s shipyard facilities, and mentoring by seasoned experts from both India and Dubai, giving students hands-on exposure to international techniques and standards.
Rado Antolovic said, “Developing the next generation of maritime professionals is critical to sustaining the future of global shipbuilding.”
CSL’s Madhu S Nair and CEMS stakeholders made clear that the goal is youth empowerment, employability, and a sea of new opportunities right here at home and abroad. Both deals align with the “Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047” of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
