VOC Port Authority Explores Shipbuilding Facility Partnership with Hyundai Group in Thoothukudi
Key Ideas
  • VOC Port Authority in Chennai is in talks with Hyundai Group to establish a shipbuilding facility in Thoothukudi, India, to expand the country's fleet size and reduce reliance on foreign shipping companies.
  • The Ministry of Port, Shipping, and Waterways, along with Invest India, facilitated the initial discussions, with plans to set up a pilot green hydrogen plant with a daily capacity of 10 tonnes at VOC port within three months.
  • India aims to add 1,000 new vessels in the next 10 years, with Tamil Nadu being one of the states interested in hosting the shipbuilding infrastructure. The government plans to revamp the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy and establish a Maritime Development Fund of `25,000 crore.
  • The fund, with government contributing 49%, aims to provide long-term financing for the maritime industry and promote a circular economy by offering credit notes for shipbreaking in Indian yards, including large ships in the infrastructure harmonised master list.
The VOC Port Authority in Chennai, India, is in discussions with the Hyundai Group, specifically HD-Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering, to potentially establish a shipbuilding facility in Thoothukudi. The aim is to boost India's fleet size by adding 1,000 new vessels in the next decade to lessen the country's dependence on foreign shipping entities. The Ministry of Port, Shipping, and Waterways, along with Invest India, facilitated the initial talks to explore this partnership. Moreover, the VOC port is also working towards becoming India's green hydrogen hub by planning to set up a pilot plant with a daily capacity of 10 tonnes to gain experience in various aspects of green hydrogen production and utilization. The government is looking to revamp the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy as part of its initiatives to support the maritime industry, which includes promoting a circular economy by providing credit notes for shipbreaking in Indian yards. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a Maritime Development Fund of `25,000 crore with a significant government contribution to provide long-term financing for the maritime sector.
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