Lok Sabha Question No. 3519 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Shipbuilding Clusters  in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Navaskani K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3519

ANSWERED ON 13.3.2026

## SHIPBUILDING CLUSTERS IN TAMIL NADU

3519. SHRI NAVASKANI K:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:

## पᱫन , पोत पᳯरवहन और जलमागᭅ मंᮢी

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Tamil Nadu has been identified as a major hub under the proposed mega shipbuilding and ship repair clusters being developed as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  examined  the  potential  economic,  employment  and ancillary  industry  benefits  of  these  shipbuilding  initiatives  for  neighbouring  coastal districts such as Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  any  plans  exist  to  extend  port-led  infrastructure,  skilling  programmes, MSME participation and supply-chain linkages to the said district in connection with the proposed shipbuilding clusters, if so, the details thereof;
- (d)  whether  coastal  communities,  traditional  fishermen  and  youth  in  the  said  district are proposed to be integrated through targeted training and livelihood opportunities, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government proposes district-specific interventions to ensure balanced regional  development  along  the  southern  Tamil  Nadu  coastline,  if  so,  the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (c) The Government of Tamil Nadu proposes to establish greenfield shipbuilding cluster in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. To establish this cluster, V.O. Chidambaranar  Port  (VOCPA)  and  State  Industries  Promotion  Corporation  of  Tamil Nadu   (SIPCOT)  have  formed  a  Special  Purpose  Vehicle  (SPV)  named  National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Tamil Nadu Limited (NSHIPTN) and also signed an MoU deliberating responsibilities of each party.

The  Government  of  Tamil  Nadu  has  informed  that  they  have  examined  the potential economic and employment impacts of shipbuilding and ship repair initiatives for coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, including districts Ramanathapuram. The establishment of this cluster is expected to enhance the shipbuilding industry capacity and  capability attracting ancillary industries and  boosting economic  activity  and enhancing supply-chain linkages in Tamil Nadu including neighbouring coastal districts such as Ramanathapuram district. There is a potential for generation of high direct and indirect  employment  on  account  of high  employment  multiplier  of  6.4  of  shipbuilding industry. The NSHIPTN initiative is expected to generate more than 55,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across shipbuilding, ship repair, marine engineering, fabrication,  logistics  and  port  services. The  development  of  such  clusters  is  also expected  to  catalyse  a  strong  ecosystem  of  ancillary  industries  including  marine equipment manufacturing,  steel fabrication, electrical  systems,  coatings  and  precision engineering. Beyond  direct  employment,  these  initiatives  are  likely  to  strengthen  the blue economy by expanding maritime supply chains and creating economic multipliers across fisheries, logistics, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and service sectors and thereby, supporting regional economic development. Government  of  Tamil  Nadu  is  actively  working  towards  strengthening  port-led industrialisation along the coastline and  extending related infrastructure, skilling programmes, MSME participation and supply-chain linkages to coastal districts such as Ramanathapuram.  The  Tamil  Nadu  Shipbuilding  Policy  2026  provides  a  range  of incentives  including  equity  support,  production-linked  incentives  (PLI),  and  plug-andplay  infrastructure  aimed  at  promoting  shipbuilding  and  ship  repair  ecosystems  while enabling regional MSMEs to integrate into maritime supply chains. (d)  to  (e) Skill  development  and  livelihood  programmes  are  being  promoted  by  State Government  through  sector-specific  training  modules  in  areas  such  as  ship  repair, green vessel maintenance, marine engineering support services, fabrication,  welding, electrical  work,  logistics  and  port  operations.  These  initiatives  leverage  existing  fisher community networks and maritime knowledge to support activities such as boat building and marine services. District-specific  interventions  are  undertaken  by  State  Government  to  strengthen infrastructure,  industrialization  and  livelihood  opportunities  across  southern  coastal districts. These initiatives include improving port connectivity, promoting marine-based industries, strengthening fisheries infrastructure, supporting MSME  clusters and expanding skill development programmes.

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