Global Drydocks and Cochin Shipyard Sign Agreement for India’s First Ship Repair Hub
Global Drydocks, a subsidiary of DP World, and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) have formalized a preliminary agreement to assess and develop the first ship repair complex in India, located within the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) in Cochin, Kerala.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways of the Government of India, alongside Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, during the Maritime Week in India 2025 held in Mumbai. The signing took place between Captain Dr. Radu Antolovitch, CEO of Global Drydocks, and Madhav S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited.
Located strategically on key international shipping routes, the International Ship Repair Facility boasts an advanced ship-lifting system and modern docking facilities capable of servicing a wide range of vessels. Global Drydocks will work closely with Cochin Shipyard to evaluate and explore potential collaboration models within the ship repair complex system. This partnership aims to enhance India’s maritime capacity and position the country as an emerging hub for global shipping services.
Captain Dr. Radu Antolovitch highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Cochin Shipyard marks an important milestone in DP World’s commitment to strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and enhancing its competitive edge. By integrating our international expertise with Cochin Shipyard’s local knowledge, we aim to develop an advanced ship repair ecosystem focused on efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Together, we aspire to make Cochin the preferred destination in the region for ship repair and maritime services, aligning with India’s ambition to become a leading global maritime center.”
Madhav S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, expressed that this partnership brings together two of the region’s leading maritime institutions that share a unified vision for excellence. “By leveraging our complementary strengths, we seek to elevate ship repair and maintenance standards in India to international benchmarks, establishing Cochin as a center of excellence that serves both regional and international fleets.”
This agreement represents a pivotal step towards realizing the “Maritime Amrit Kal 2047” vision, which aims to position Cochin as a key site for developing advanced next-generation ship repair infrastructure. By combining Cochin Shipyard’s established expertise in shipbuilding and repair with Global Drydocks’ extensive knowledge in advanced vessel maintenance, major conversions, and marine engineering, procurement, and construction projects, this partnership will contribute to creating a world-class competitive ecosystem that enhances local capabilities.