Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), which operates Kandla port, will partner with Cochin Shipyard (CSL) to establish a ship-repair hub on the western coast of India at Vadinar, Gujarat. The project is estimated to cost Rs 1,750 crore.

DPA will invest Rs 700 crore in building an outfitting jetty at Vadinar in Devbhumi Dwarka district, and civil construction works, while Cochin Shipyard will put up two floating docks at an outlay of Rs 1,050 crore. Of the Rs 700 crore, about 50 percent will be funded by the Sagarmala scheme, as informed by Chairman of DPA, Sushil Kumar Singh.

The new Vadinar facility will have the capacity to repair 32 vessels annually. CSL will be responsible for repair activities at this facility and will pay a fixed lease rent and royalty to DPA. A detailed project report (DPR) has already been submitted to the Union Ministry for Ports, Shipping and Waterways for approval. The upcoming Vadinar hub is expected to strengthen India’s ship-repair capacity and contribute to the growth of the shipping industry on the country’s western coast.