Odisha shipbuilding cluster receives in-principle approval

The National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park Odisha Ltd (NSHIPOL) has received in-principle approval for a proposed Rs 24,700 crore shipbuilding cluster in Kendrapara. The project, situated along the northern bank of the Mahanadi river opposite the Iffco plant in Paradip, falls under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The proposed industrial hub is designed to create an integrated ecosystem for shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated heavy industries. Plans include one or more large shipyards with a combined annual building capacity of approximately 1.2 million gross tonnes. The cluster is expected to leverage its proximity to Paradip Port and Odisha’s mineral hinterland to access raw materials like steel and coal.

Developed through a special purpose vehicle involving the Odisha Maritime Board and the Paradip Port Authority, the project aims to attract investment, generate employment, and foster ancillary industries such as engine manufacturing and marine equipment supply. The next phase involves NSHIPOL preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and securing necessary statutory clearances, including environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone permissions.