MDL signs MoU as Anchor Shipyard for Greenfield Shipbuilding Industrial Cluster at Dighi

Officials of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Maharashtra Limited (NSHIPML) on September 15, 2026. Photo: Special arrangement. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Maharashtra Limited (NSHIPML) to participate as the Anchor Shipyard in the proposed Greenfield Shipbuilding Industrial Cluster at Dighi, Raigad, in Maharashtra. The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.Under the MoU, MDL has envisaged shipbuilding capacity of at least 1.2 million Gross Tonnage (GT) per annum, with a proposed investment of approximately ₹15,000 crore. The proposed facility is intended to support the construction of large commercial vessels and strengthen India’s overall maritime industrial capacity.The MoU provides the framework for the strategic partnership between the parties and will remain valid for five years from its effective date or until it is superseded by a comprehensive Concession Agreement, including the Lease Agreement, whichever is earlier.Capt. Jagmohan, chairperson and Managing Director of MDL said, “This MoU marks an important step in MDL’s expansion from its established strengths in warship and submarine construction towards large-scale commercial shipbuilding. MDL will bring to the Dighi project its experience in complex ship construction, engineering, project management and development of a strong domestic vendor ecosystem. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to create a modern and globally competitive shipbuilding facility.”Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed this as a major step for making Maharashtra a new “maritime powerhouse”.“40% of India’s shipbuilding capacity will be created in Maharashtra, giving a major boost to the state’s maritime ecosystem. Warships and commercial vessels will be built. Shipbuilding, ship repair, ship breaking and ship recycling - all under one roof. 15,000 direct + 75,000 indirect employment opportunities. A transformative step towards making Maharashtra a leading global shipbuilding hub and strengthening India’s maritime capabilities,” he said in a post on his social media account X.The MoU was signed on behalf of MDL by Capt. Jagmohan, chairman and Managing Director, and on behalf of NSHIPML by Pradeep P., Managing Director. NSHIPML is the Special Purpose Vehicle jointly constituted by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Mumbai Port Authority for development of the greenfield shipbuilding cluster in Maharashtra. “The initiative is being taken forward under the Government of India’s framework for greenfield shipbuilding cluster development and supports the objectives of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” a press statement issued by MDL said. Published - September 15, 2026 10:39 pm IST