Maersk and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities in ship repair, maintenance, and building activities in India.
Under the MoU, Maersk will utilize its expertise as an off-taker in its global fleet to strengthen CSL’s capabilities, primarily focusing on container ship maintenance, repair, and drydocking operations.
Moreover, this strategic partnership aligns with the Government of India’s Vision 2047 maritime objectives and recent Union Budget 2025-26 announcements to position India among the top five global maritime hubs.
Maersk states that the collaboration comes at a crucial time when the global shipping industry is expected to face capacity constraints in ship repair yards around the world and signifies a strategic step towards establishing India as a premier maritime service centre.
The first Maersk vessel repair at CSL, planned already for 2025, will mark the beginning of what we envisage as a long-term collaborative relationship.
…said Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management & Technology, A.P. Moller – Maersk.
The MoU encompasses several key areas of cooperation:
- Technical expertise sharing for achieving global standards in ship maintenance
- Exploration of ship repair, dry docking, and new building opportunities
- Joint training programs focusing responsible practices
- Skill development initiatives for both CSL employees and Maersk seafarers
As informed, the collaboration will initially focus on vessels up to 7,000 TEU for afloat repairs and up to 4,000 TEU for dry-docking, with capabilities expected to expand over time.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in CSL’s journey as the leading ship repairer in India. Combining Maersk’s global expertise with CSL’s capabilities would help position ourselves to capture a larger share of the global ship repair and building market.
…said Rajesh Gopalakrishnan Executive Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited.
The news comes after reports that India plans to launch a national container shipping carrier, Bharat Container Line.
In addition, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and MP, North Mumbai Lok Sabha, met with Soren Toft, CEO of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to discuss the growth potential in India’s shipping & logistics sector. The discussion focused around investments in inland container terminals, shipbuilding, maintenance, and container manufacturing.
The two parties also deliberated on deep-sea vessel partnerships & policy reforms to enhance the nation’s global maritime competitiveness.
Furthermore, recently, Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO, CMA CGM welcomed Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron to the CMA CGM Group headquarters in Marseille as part of the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to France.
India in early February announced the creation of a 250-billion-rupee ($2.9 billion) maritime development fund aimed at long-term financing for the country’s shipbuilding and repair industry. The fund was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament and is part of the nation’s effort to modernize its maritime sector.
The country has been making investments in maritime initiatives, such as the Odisha Government’s plan to create a ship recycling hub near Paradip Port. Furthermore, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal revealed expansion projects for the capacities of Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Kandla Port.
