Drydocks World And Cochin Shipyard Sign Agreement To Develop India’s First Ship Repair Cluster In Kerala

Drydocks World, part of DP World, and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) have entered into an agreement to explore the development of India's inaugural ship repair cluster at the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) in Cochin, Kerala. This collaboration was formalised during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, witnessed by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World.

The ISRF is strategically positioned along key international shipping routes. It boasts advanced docking facilities and a modern ship lift system capable of accommodating various vessel types. CSL and Drydocks World will jointly assess potential cooperation models within this ship repair cluster ecosystem. This initiative aims to bolster India's maritime capabilities and enhance its status as a burgeoning hub for global maritime services.

Captain Rado Anotolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Cochin Shipyard. He stated, "Our partnership with Cochin Shipyard marks another milestone in DP World’s commitment to strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and competitiveness. By bringing together Drydocks World’s international expertise and CSL’s deep local experience, we are developing an advanced ship repair ecosystem built on efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Together, we aim to make Cochin the region’s preferred destination for ship repair and maritime services, supporting India’s ambition to become a leading global maritime hub."

This collaboration aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which envisions Cochin as a pivotal location for next-generation ship repair infrastructure development. The agreement signifies a significant step towards realising this vision by enhancing local capabilities through a globally competitive ecosystem.

Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. He remarked, "This collaboration brings together two of the region’s most respected maritime organisations with a shared vision of excellence. Leveraging our complementary strengths, we aim to elevate India’s ship repair and maintenance standards to global benchmarks and position Cochin as a centre of excellence serving regional and international fleets."

The partnership combines CSL's expertise in shipbuilding and repairs with Drydocks World's global proficiency in high-end vessel maintenance, major conversions, and offshore EPC projects. This synergy is expected to create an advanced ecosystem that enhances both local capacity and global competitiveness.

By integrating their respective strengths, Drydocks World and CSL aim to establish Cochin as a premier destination for ship repair services in the region. This initiative not only supports India's ambition to become a leading global maritime hub but also contributes significantly to its maritime infrastructure development.

With inputs from WAM