Andhra Pradesh Eyes Ship Recycling-building Units and Modern Fishing Harbours to Boost Coastal Employment
The Andhra Pradesh government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening coastal infrastructure through shipbuilding, ship-breaking units, and modern fishing harbours, with a focus on generating large-scale employment opportunities in the state’s coastal belts. Infrastructure and Investments Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy made the announcement in the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday while responding to questions raised by legislators Nadikudi Eswara Rao, Kamineni Srinivas, and Konatala Ramakrishna.
The minister revealed that proposals for shipbuilding facilities had already been forwarded to the Centre for approval, in line with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of comprehensive coastal development. The Chief Minister, he said, has a clear goal of establishing either a port or a fishing harbour every 50 kilometers along the coast, ensuring not only industrial growth but also employment generation for thousands of youth in the fishing and shipping sectors.
Central Sanctions Versus Ground Realities
While the Centre has sanctioned ₹361 crore for each proposed project, Janardhan Reddy pointed out a significant challenge: feasibility studies have revealed that high-cost construction projects of this scale may not be practical under the state’s local conditions. Harbours and ports require a delicate balance of technical, environmental, and economic considerations. Factors such as coastline depth, tidal behavior, siltation patterns, and environmental sustainability directly influence whether a project can deliver expected benefits.
“Although funds have been assured, our technical teams have found that replicating a uniform, high-cost model across all sites is not viable,” the minister explained. “Each location has unique characteristics, and investments need to be tailored to ensure long-term efficiency and profitability.”
Officials noted that while the Centre’s sanctioning of large sums reflects a willingness to support Andhra Pradesh’s maritime ambitions, the state must ensure that resources are not wasted on unfeasible designs. Instead, the government is now working with consultants and maritime experts to identify optimal models of development that can work within the local ecological and economic framework.
Building on Phase-II Projects
Janardhan Reddy informed the Assembly that Phase-II works on six new fishing harbours are already underway. These harbours are expected to serve as a backbone for the fishing community by providing better docking, processing, and cold storage facilities. Currently, many fishermen face losses due to poor infrastructure, which limits their ability to store or transport catch efficiently. Modern harbours, the minister said, will reduce post-harvest losses and improve earnings for fishing communities.
The new harbours are being designed with improved mechanized berthing facilities, auction platforms, ice plants, and quality monitoring units, ensuring fishermen get competitive prices in both domestic and export markets. By addressing these gaps, the state hopes to boost the income of thousands of families dependent on fishing.
A Vision for Coastal Development
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s long-term vision to establish a port or fishing harbour every 50 kilometers reflects the state’s determination to transform its 972-kilometer coastline into an engine of growth. Andhra Pradesh boasts one of the longest coastlines in the country, and tapping this resource could position the state as a leader in both marine exports and shipbuilding.
“This is not just about industry,” the minister emphasized. “It is about livelihoods, regional development, and positioning Andhra Pradesh as a maritime hub. The Chief Minister’s vision combines both traditional fishing industries and modern shipping technology, creating opportunities for fishermen, engineers, and entrepreneurs alike.”
Shipbuilding and Ship-Breaking Units
The state’s proposal to establish shipbuilding and ship-breaking units is expected to add a new dimension to its industrial landscape. Currently, India has limited shipbuilding capacity compared to global players like South Korea, Japan, and China. However, with rising demand for both domestic and international shipping, Andhra Pradesh hopes to carve out a niche in this lucrative sector.
Ship-breaking, too, offers a dual advantage: recycling old vessels provides raw materials like steel, while also creating jobs for thousands of workers. Globally, ship-breaking is a billion-dollar industry, though it requires stringent safety and environmental standards. Officials are now assessing suitable sites along Andhra’s coast where such units can operate without harming marine ecosystems.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the ambitious plans, several challenges remain. Coastal infrastructure projects are often delayed by issues such as land acquisition, environmental clearances, and opposition from local communities who fear displacement or ecological damage. In addition, ensuring that harbours and shipbuilding yards remain commercially viable will require partnerships with private investors, international technology providers, and steady government support.
Experts caution that building too many harbours without ensuring adequate catch potential or demand from shipping lines could create underutilized facilities, leading to financial strain. “Each project must be backed by careful economic planning,” a maritime analyst observed. “Otherwise, the state risks creating infrastructure that looks impressive but doesn’t generate enough returns.”
Employment and Economic Impact
If implemented successfully, however, the combined focus on shipbuilding, ship-breaking, and modern harbours could dramatically change the economic profile of Andhra Pradesh’s coastal districts. The minister projected that thousands of direct jobs could be created in shipyards, while ancillary industries like steel processing, repair works, transport, and cold storage would also thrive. Indirectly, lakhs of people could benefit from enhanced fishing incomes and new business opportunities.
“Every fishing harbour is not just a docking space—it is an ecosystem that creates ripple effects throughout the local economy,” Janardhan Reddy said. “With proper planning, we can ensure that our coastal communities are empowered and that Andhra Pradesh becomes a maritime leader.”
Looking Ahead
The Assembly session concluded with assurances from the minister that the state would move forward cautiously, ensuring feasibility and sustainability before finalizing projects. Consultations with experts are ongoing, and a detailed roadmap is expected to be unveiled soon.
As Andhra Pradesh pushes ahead with its coastal development agenda, balancing ambition with realism will be key. The sanctioned funds, though substantial, must be directed into projects that are both technically viable and socially beneficial. For now, the state government’s message is clear: it is determined to transform its coastline into a corridor of opportunity, but not at the cost of practicality.
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