Tata to set up shipbuilding unit at Cochin Port with Malabar Cements; work has begun, says CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday said work has begun to establish a shipbuilding unit at Cochin Port through a joint venture between Malabar Cements and Artson Engineering Limited, a Tata Projects Group company. In a statement, the Chief Minister said all major approvals required for the project have been obtained. The Cochin Port Authority has allotted the required land and has started preliminary development work. He said the project will be a major step towards creating a modern shipbuilding ecosystem in Kerala.

The Chief Minister said Mission Samudra is not limited to setting up a single shipbuilding unit. "Mission Samudra aims to create a comprehensive maritime ecosystem in Kerala. The initiative will integrate shipbuilding, ship repair, offshore fabrication, marine engineering, coastal manufacturing units, logistics, maritime services, and related industries by leveraging the state's coastal infrastructure, including Vizhinjam International Seaport, Cochin Port, and Cochin Shipyard," the Chief Minister said.

He added that discussions are underway with leading investors from India and abroad regarding these projects.

"The government is confident that these talks will bring significant investments to the state in the near future. Official announcements will be made as each investment proposal reaches the final stage," the CM said.

He said the government's goal is to transform Kerala into one of India's leading maritime economies, while creating jobs and accelerating industrial growth.

"The state government is committed to creating an investment-friendly environment and developing a globally competitive maritime manufacturing ecosystem, thereby laying a strong foundation for the long-term economic growth of the state," he said.

Rs 10,000 crore refers to total planned investment

The Chief Minister also clarified that the Rs 10,000 crore figure mentioned during his recent media interview refers to the total investment the government aims to attract to the state over the coming years through multiple projects and investors.

"The reference to a potential investment of around Rs 10,000 crore was meant to indicate the total investment the government aims to attract to the state over the coming years through multiple projects and from various investors. It does not mean that a single investment agreement worth Rs 10,000 crore has been finalised with any particular company," the CM added.

The statement clarified that the Chief Minister was outlining the government's vision and investment attraction plan to develop Kerala into a prominent shipbuilding and maritime industrial hub in the country as part of 'Mission Samudra'.