Hindustan Shipyard Signs MoU With Kakinada Seaports to Expand Shipbuilding Capabilities in Andhra Pradesh

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a Ministry of Defence public sector undertaking, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kakinada Seaports Limited (KSPL) to expand shipbuilding capabilities at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. The agreement focuses on utilising and upgrading existing maritime infrastructure to support shipbuilding operations and identifying opportunities for collaboration on major shipbuilding projects.

The agreement was announced on 29 October 2026 and signed during INMARCO 2026, the international maritime conference held in Mumbai. The partnership brings together HSL’s shipbuilding expertise and the maritime infrastructure available at Kakinada Seaports Limited.

Hindustan Shipyard and Kakinada Seaports Sign Agreement

The MoU was signed by Rear Admiral Chandrasekharan Raghuram, VSM (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Shipyard Limited, and K. V. Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of Kakinada Seaports Limited.

Under the agreement, both organisations will collaborate to assess the utilisation and augmentation of existing infrastructure at the KSPL facility. The proposed activities include using slipways and jetty facilities to support shipbuilding operations undertaken by HSL.

The agreement also provides for developing collaborative approaches to identify and execute major shipbuilding projects by leveraging the expertise, infrastructure and resources available to both organisations.

Focus on Existing Slipways and Jetty Facilities

A principal objective of the agreement is to make greater use of existing maritime infrastructure at Kakinada.

According to the statement issued by HSL, the collaboration will focus on utilising and augmenting the slipways and jetty facilities available at Kakinada Seaports Limited for shipbuilding activities.

The two organisations will also explore collaborative arrangements for identifying and undertaking major shipbuilding projects.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two companies. Specific investment commitments, shipbuilding contracts and implementation timelines have not been announced.

Hindustan Shipyard’s Role in India’s Maritime Sector

Hindustan Shipyard Limited, headquartered in Visakhapatnam, operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence and holds Miniratna Category-I status.

The company undertakes shipbuilding, ship repair, submarine-related activities and specialised engineering services for defence and commercial maritime requirements.

Kakinada Seaports Limited operates the Kakinada Deep Water Port in Andhra Pradesh. The proposed collaboration will examine how the port’s existing infrastructure can support additional shipbuilding activities.

The agreement brings together an established public sector shipbuilding organisation and a private port operator to explore opportunities for expanding India’s shipbuilding capabilities.

Collaboration to Support India’s Shipbuilding Ambitions

Hindustan Shipyard Limited has emphasised the importance of cooperation among organisations involved in India’s maritime industry.

According to HSL, India’s shipbuilding ambitions require coordinated participation by shipyards, ports, regulators, designers, suppliers, financial institutions and local communities.

The company stated that partnerships involving existing maritime infrastructure are important for developing additional shipbuilding capacity and creating opportunities in shipbuilding and allied maritime activities.

The agreement with Kakinada Seaports Limited reflects this approach by focusing on collaborative development and the productive utilisation of established infrastructure.

Strengthening India’s Indigenous Shipbuilding Capabilities

The HSL-KSPL agreement forms part of Hindustan Shipyard Limited’s efforts to strengthen India’s maritime manufacturing capabilities through partnerships and infrastructure development.

The collaboration is intended to support the expansion of shipbuilding operations by combining the capabilities of the two organisations and exploring opportunities for major shipbuilding projects.

HSL has described the agreement as part of its commitment to advancing India’s maritime development through cooperation with organisations that share the country’s wider shipbuilding objectives.

The company stated that its mission is to contribute to India’s maritime development by encouraging partnerships, collaboration and the transformation of existing maritime infrastructure into additional national shipbuilding capacity.

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