Maersk and Cochin Shipyard Partner to Advance Ship Repairs and Shipbuilding in India
A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening India’s ship repair, maintenance, and building capabilities. The two industry leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities, aligning with the Indian government’s Vision 2047 maritime objectives and the latest Union Budget 2025-26 announcements. The move is expected to help position India among the top five global maritime hubs.
The partnership comes at a pivotal time for the global shipping industry, which is experiencing increasing demand for ship repair and maintenance services. As shipyards worldwide struggle with capacity constraints, Maersk and CSL’s collaboration represents a significant step in transforming India into a global maritime service centre. Under the MoU, Maersk will utilize its expertise and extensive fleet to support CSL’s capabilities, focusing on container ship maintenance, repair, and drydocking operations.
A Transformational Partnership for India’s Maritime Future
“As we witness unprecedented growth in global maritime trade, our collaboration with CSL represents our commitment to strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure,” said Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management & Technology at A.P. Moller – Maersk. “The first Maersk vessel repair at CSL, planned for 2025, will mark the beginning of what we envision as a long-term collaborative relationship.”
Cochin Shipyard, a leading ship repairer in India, sees the partnership as a significant milestone in its journey toward international prominence. “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 of Cochin Shipyard Limited.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The MoU outlines multiple areas of collaboration, including:
- Technical expertise sharing to enhance ship maintenance standards in line with global benchmarks.
- Exploration of ship repair, drydocking, and new shipbuilding opportunities to expand India’s maritime capabilities.
- Joint training programs that promote responsible practices within the industry.
- Skill development initiatives designed for both CSL employees and Maersk seafarers to strengthen India’s workforce in the maritime sector.
Government Support and Industry Growth
This collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s push to establish shipbuilding and repair clusters and develop a robust maritime ecosystem. In the recent Union Budget 2025-26, the government introduced the Shipping Development Fund, which aims to provide long-term, low-cost financing to support maritime infrastructure. Maersk and CSL’s partnership is expected to play a crucial role in helping India achieve its ambitious goals for shipbuilding and repair services.
Initially, the collaboration will focus on vessel repairs for ships up to 7,000 TEU for afloat repairs and 4,000 TEU for drydocking, with plans to expand capacity in the coming years. This is expected to bolster India’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector and create new employment opportunities in shipbuilding and repairs.
Strengthening India’s Position in Global Shipping
Maersk’s decision to engage with Cochin Shipyard reinforces India’s potential to become a key hub for maritime services. By leveraging CSL’s expertise in shipbuilding and repair, Maersk aims to streamline its fleet maintenance operations in India while supporting the local shipbuilding industry.
CSL, which has a significant presence across India in cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Udupi, has built a strong reputation in ship construction, particularly for high-tech defence and commercial vessels. With a growing demand for ship repair services, this partnership is expected to bring advanced technology and industry best practices to India’s maritime sector.
About A.P. Moller – Maersk
A.P. Moller-Maersk is a global logistics leader, connecting and simplifying supply chains across more than 130 countries. With a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees, Maersk is committed to sustainability and aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. The company is investing in new technologies, innovative vessel designs, and alternative fuels to drive sustainable growth in the shipping industry.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
Cochin Shipyard Limited, established in 1972, is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). It is one of India’s premier shipbuilding and ship repair companies, known for delivering world-class vessels to domestic and international clients. CSL’s portfolio includes high-tech defence vessels, including aircraft carriers, as well as commercial ships for offshore and shipping industries.
Conclusion
The Maersk-CSL partnership represents a significant leap forward for India’s maritime ambitions. By combining global expertise with local shipbuilding excellence, the collaboration is set to drive India’s transformation into a world-class maritime service hub. As the first Maersk vessel repair at CSL is scheduled for 2025, the partnership is poised to create new opportunities, foster innovation, and reinforce India’s standing in the global shipping industry.
