Porbandar shipbuilding park expected to spur jobs, MSME growth: Gujarat Minister
Gandhinagar, July 27 (IANS) Gujarat Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia on Monday said the proposed Mega Greenfield Shipbuilding Park at Kuchhdi in Porbandar, together with the newly launched ‘Gujarat Shipbuilding and Repair Policy 2026’, is expected to generate large-scale employment and create new opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) linked to the maritime sector.
Addressing a press conference after Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel unveiled the state’s new shipbuilding policy, Modhwadia described the approval of the Porbandar project as a major step for the economic development of both Gujarat and the coastal district.
“As the public representative of Porbandar, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Porbandar MP and Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for granting in-principle approval to the Mega Greenfield Shipbuilding Park and for launching the Gujarat Shipbuilding and Repair Policy 2026,” Modhwadia said.
The minister said the state policy has been aligned with the Centre’s maritime strategy under ‘Maritime Vision India 2047’ and would strengthen Gujarat’s position in the country’s shipping and logistics sector.
Gujarat currently accounts for around 42 per cent of India’s maritime logistics share.
According to Modhwadia, the proposed maritime industrial ecosystem at Kuchhdi will involve a total investment of about Rs 27,000 crore, including around Rs 3,300 crore for common marine and land-based infrastructure and an estimated Rs 23,700 crore in private investment for shipyards and associated industries.
He noted that the project would lead to the creation of thousands of jobs for local youth, technicians and skilled workers in Porbandar and neighbouring areas, while also encouraging the growth of shipbuilding-related MSMEs and marine equipment manufacturing clusters.
“The Gujarat Shipbuilding and Repair Policy 2026 and the Mega Greenfield Shipbuilding Park at Porbandar will bring a revolution in employment and the MSME sector,” Modhwadia said.
The proposed cluster at Kuchhdi is expected to include two to three large shipyards supported by ancillary industries, logistics facilities, testing centres, skill development institutions and research facilities.
The project forms part of Gujarat’s broader plan to expand shipbuilding capacity, develop integrated maritime industrial parks and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
“Both the Central and State governments had announced incentives to attract investors, including capital assistance, interest subsidies, full exemption from stamp duty, dredging support, subsidies on electricity and water charges, and incentives for procurement from MSMEs,” he said.
The Gujarat Shipbuilding and Repair Policy 2026, launched earlier in the day, aims to increase the state’s shipbuilding capacity to more than 50 lakh Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT), establish integrated shipbuilding parks and train more than five lakh people in maritime-related skills.
Officials said the Detailed Project Reports for the Kuchhdi shipbuilding cluster are being prepared by the Gujarat Maritime Board.
–IANS
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