With new policy, Gujarat eyes leadership in India's shipbuilding industry
The Gujarat government on Monday launched its 'Shipbuilding and Repair Policy 2026', setting out a road map to expand the state's shipbuilding capacity, attract private investment and develop an integrated maritime manufacturing ecosystem, as the Centre approved a mega greenfield shipbuilding cluster in Porbandar expected to draw investments of more than Rs 27,000 crore.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel formally unveiled the policy in Gandhinagar, saying it is intended to strengthen state's position as India's leading shipbuilding and repair hub by building on its 2,340-kilometre coastline, extensive port infrastructure and industrial base.
The policy seeks to align the state's maritime ambitions with the Central government's Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme 2025 (SBFAS), Maritime Vision 2047 and the broader objective of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
It outlines measures to develop shipyards and ancillary industries, promote marine equipment manufacturing, strengthen research and development, expand skill development programmes, and encourage green and smart shipyards.
One of the policy's key proposals is the creation of Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks (IMSPs), designed as maritime industrial ecosystems with shipyards, marine equipment manufacturing clusters, testing facilities, logistics infrastructure, research and development centres and training institutions.
The announcement also follows the Centre's approval for a Mega Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster at Kuchhadi in Porbandar district.
Detailed Project Reports for the project are being prepared by the Gujarat Maritime Board.
According to the state government, the cluster will include two to three world-class shipyards supported by a network of ancillary industries.
Private investment in the shipyards is expected to be around Rs 23,700 crore, while approximately Rs 3,300 crore will be invested in common marine and land-based infrastructure through financial support from the Centre's Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) and the state government.
The planned common infrastructure includes breakwaters, floating cranes, heavy-lift vessels, dredging facilities, harbour basin development, navigation channels, roads, electricity and water supply networks, along with other shared utilities intended to lower infrastructure costs for investors and speed up project implementation.
The policy also introduces a package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives aimed at attracting investment.
These include capital assistance, reimbursement of stamp duty, interest subvention, dredging assistance, incentives to encourage procurement from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), support for electricity tariffs and water charges, incentives for marine equipment manufacturing clusters and additional benefits for investors who begin development within prescribed timelines.
To ease project approvals, the state government has proposed a 'Single Window Clearance System' and a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism to facilitate time-bound clearances and implementation.
"The policy aims to raise Gujarat's shipbuilding capacity to more than 50 lakh Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT), establish two Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks and provide skill development and capacity-building training to more than five lakh people," officials said.
The Gujarat Maritime Board has prepared implementation guidelines intended to simplify application procedures for developers and investors and facilitate faster execution of projects.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said: "The policy would help Gujarat contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by developing a globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem while supporting the state's long-term Viksit Gujarat 2047 vision."
The launch event was attended by Chief Secretary M.K. Das, Principal Adviser to Chief Minister Dr Hasmukh Adhia, Adviser to the Chief Minister and Gujarat Maritime Board Chairman S.S. Rathore, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Secretary (Ports and Transport) Hareet Shukla, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Gujarat Maritime Board Dr Ajay Kumar, along with other senior officials.
