Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on April 7 visited Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to launch advanced machinery aimed at boosting India’s shipbuilding capacity.
During his visit, he introduced the ProArc CNC Plasma Cum Oxy Fuel Plate Cutting Machine, which is Industry 4.0-ready and fully IoT-enabled, allowing for real-time monitoring and early maintenance alerts to improve efficiency. This aligns with the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) 2.0.
Sonowal highlighted that these initiatives are part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', helping boost India's role in global shipbuilding and eco-friendly maritime industries.
According to the statement, he also launched the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a project focused on creating hybrid and electric-powered tugs. CSL is the first Indian company to build these eco-friendly tugs, with a plan for 16 vessels at major Indian ports.
Speaking during the visit, the Union Minister said, “Cochin Shipyard Limited stands as the Pride of India, a testament to our indigenous shipbuilding excellence and self-reliance."
The Minister also led the steel cutting ceremony for two Green Tugs and checked the progress of India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger, being built by CSL for the Dredging Corporation of India. This dredger will help reduce reliance on foreign services and improve coastal infrastructure.
This visit follows the 2025–26 Union Budget, which includes major investments like the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, aimed at attracting ₹1.5 lakh crore in maritime investments by 2030. Other projects, such as the updated SBFAP 2.0 and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, are set to transform the sector.
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