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 for the proposed Greenfield Shipbuilding Industrial Cluster at Dighi in Raigad district, Maharashtra.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Capt. Jagmohan, Chairman and Managing Director, signed the agreement on behalf of MDL, while NSHIPML Managing Director Shri Pradeep P. represented the special purpose vehicle.
NSHIPML has been jointly constituted by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Mumbai Port Authority to develop the proposed greenfield shipbuilding cluster. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s framework for greenfield shipbuilding clusters and the objectives of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Under the proposed partnership, MDL plans to establish a shipbuilding facility with a capacity of at least 1.2 million Gross Tonnage (GT) annually, involving an estimated investment of ₹15,000 crore. The facility is envisaged to undertake construction of large commercial vessels and contribute to the expansion of India’s maritime industrial base.
Capt. Jagmohan said the initiative represents a significant step in MDL’s expansion beyond its established capabilities in warship and submarine construction towards large-scale commercial shipbuilding. He highlighted MDL’s expertise in complex ship construction, engineering and project management, along with its established domestic vendor ecosystem, as key strengths that would support the Dighi project.
The proposed Dighi cluster is expected to develop modern shipbuilding infrastructure supported by an integrated industrial and supply-chain ecosystem. The project is aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity, attracting investment and technology, creating skilled employment opportunities and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
The MoU provides the framework for the strategic partnership between MDL and NSHIPML and will remain valid for five years from its effective date, or until it is superseded by a comprehensive Concession Agreement, including the Lease Agreement, whichever is earlier.
