Andhra Pradesh govt. forms SPV for mega shipbuilding hub at Dugarajapatnam

The State government on Monday issued G.O. Ms. No. 7 for setting up a Special Purpose Vehicle titled National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park Andhra Pradesh Limited, under the Companies Act, 2013, to promote shipbuilding, ship repair and allied maritime infrastructure at Dugarajapatnam in Tirupati district.

The order, issued by M. T. Krishna Babu, Special Chief Secretary, Infrastructure and Investments, Ports, stated that the initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision to scale up domestic shipbuilding capacity and fast track the proposed National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster in Andhra Pradesh.

Earlier, the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Visakhapatnam Port Authority for establishing the shipbuilding cluster at Dugarajapatnam under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The Maritime Board will now initiate steps for land acquisition for the proposed Dugarajapatnam greenfield port and shipbuilding cluster and for operationalising the new company.

The key objectives of National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park Andhra Pradesh Limited include development of shipbuilding, ship repair and heavy engineering facilities such as dry docks, ship lifts, outfitting berths and allied marine infrastructure. The company will also plan and allot land to shipyards, ancillary units and maritime industries, implement projects through PPP and other models, and promote a comprehensive maritime manufacturing ecosystem with focus on ancillary industries, skill development, innovation, research and technology partnerships.