Daijiworld Media Network - Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar, Jul 27: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday launched the Gujarat Shipbuilding and Repair Policy 2026, aimed at transforming the state into India's leading maritime manufacturing hub through large-scale investments, modern infrastructure, fiscal incentives and skill development.
The policy envisages the establishment of two Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks, expansion of the state's shipbuilding capacity to over 50 lakh Deadweight Tonnage (DWT), and attracting investments exceeding Rs 27,000 crore. It also aims to provide skill development and capacity-building training to more than five lakh people.
Speaking at the launch, Patel said the policy would create a globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem in Gujarat while supporting the vision of Viksit Gujarat 2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
According to the state government, the policy aligns with the Centre's Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme 2025 and Maritime Vision 2047. It seeks to promote marine equipment manufacturing, research and development, startups, ancillary industries, sustainable and smart shipyards, and capacity building.
As part of the initiative, two integrated mega shipbuilding parks equipped with modern shipyard infrastructure will be developed along with marine equipment manufacturing clusters, testing facilities, logistics support, research and development centres, and skill development institutions.
The Centre has already approved a mega greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Kuchhadi in Porbandar district. The Gujarat Maritime Board is preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the project, which is expected to pave the way for implementation.
The cluster will accommodate two to three world-class shipyards along with a network of ancillary industries and is expected to attract private investment of around Rs 23,700 crore.
To support the ecosystem, common marine and land-based infrastructure worth approximately Rs 3,300 crore will be developed with financial assistance from both the Centre and the Gujarat government under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), taking the total expected investment beyond Rs 27,000 crore.
The proposed infrastructure will include breakwaters, floating cranes, heavy-lift ships, dredging facilities, harbour basin development, navigation channels, roads, electricity, water supply and other common utilities.
The government said the integrated infrastructure would reduce project costs for investors, accelerate implementation and enhance Gujarat's competitiveness as a global shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing hub.
The policy also offers a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including capital assistance, reimbursement of stamp duty, interest subvention, dredging assistance, subsidies for procurement from MSMEs, electricity tariff support and subsidies on water charges.
Special incentives have also been announced for marine equipment manufacturing clusters and early-bird investors who commence development within the stipulated timeline.
To facilitate investments, the policy provides a single-window clearance mechanism and a dedicated grievance redressal system to ensure time-bound approvals and faster implementation of projects. The Gujarat Maritime Board has also prepared detailed implementation guidelines to simplify application procedures and expedite project execution.