Maersk & Cochin Shipyard Partner on Ship Repair & Building

AP Moller-Maersk has entered into a memorandum of understanding with India’s Cochin Shipyard to explore opportunities in ship repair and shipbuilding.

This strategic alliance supports India’s goal of becoming one of the top 10 maritime nations by 2030 and breaking into the top five by 2047. The partnership is expected to see the first Maersk vessel undergo repairs at Cochin Shipyard in 2025.

Earlier this month, India’s finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a $2.9 billion maritime development fund to provide long-term financing for the country's shipbuilding and repair sector. The Indian government will contribute 49%, with the rest coming from ports and private investors.

Maersk highlighted that the collaboration comes at a crucial time when global ship repair yards face capacity constraints. Under the agreement, Maersk will use its global fleet expertise to enhance Cochin Shipyard’s ship maintenance, repair, and drydocking operations.

Established in 1972, Cochin Shipyard is India’s largest shipbuilding and repair facility. In a stock exchange filing, the company stated that the partnership will also cover technical knowledge sharing, newbuilding opportunities, joint training programs, and skill development initiatives.

Initially, the collaboration will focus on ships up to 7,000 TEU for afloat repairs and up to 4,000 TEU for drydocking, with plans to expand these capabilities over time.