Mumbai: Drydocks World, a DP World company, and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) have signed an Agreement of Heads of Terms to evaluate and develop India's first ship repair cluster at the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) in Cochin, Kerala.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged in the presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World. The agreement was signed between Captain Rado Anotolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, and Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.
Strategically located along major international shipping routes, the ISRF boasts a state-of-the-art ship lift system and modern docking facilities that can service a wide range of vessels. CSL and Drydocks World will jointly evaluate potential models of cooperation within the ship repair cluster ecosystem.
The collaboration aims to facilitate growth in India's maritime capabilities and strengthen the nation's position as an emerging hub for global maritime services. Captain Rado Anotolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, highlighted the partnership's significance as a milestone in DP World's efforts to enhance India's maritime infrastructure. By combining Drydocks World's international expertise with CSL's local experience, the collaboration seeks to develop an advanced ship repair ecosystem focused on efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.
Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, emphasized the collaboration as a union of two respected maritime organizations with a shared vision. The partnership intends to elevate India's ship repair and maintenance standards to global benchmarks, positioning Cochin as a center of excellence for regional and international fleets.
The agreement marks a significant step towards advancing the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, positioning Cochin as a key location for next-generation ship repair infrastructure. By merging CSL's expertise in shipbuilding and repair with Drydocks World's global experience in vessel repair, maintenance, major conversions, and offshore EPC, the partnership aims to create a modern, globally competitive ecosystem that enhances local capabilities.