Gujarat Unveils Shipbuilding Policy 2026

Gujarat launched the Gujarat Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy 2026 on 27 July 2026 to expand shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime manufacturing in the state. The policy targets investments of more than Rs 27,000 crore and aims to raise Gujarat’s shipbuilding capacity to over 5 million deadweight tonnage by 2047.

Shipbuilding Policy Framework

Shipbuilding policy is a sector-specific industrial policy that covers ship construction, ship repair, marine engineering, and allied manufacturing. Gujarat’s policy includes capital assistance, interest subvention, electricity subsidy, water subsidy, and dredging support for eligible units.

Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks

The policy provides for two Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks. A greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Kuchdi in Porbandar district has already received central approval, and the Gujarat Maritime Board is preparing Detailed Project Reports for the projects. Each park is expected to accommodate two to three shipyards along with ancillary industries. The policy also includes common marine and onshore infrastructure worth about Rs 3,300 crore, including breakwaters, dredging, harbour basin development, and utility services.

Incentives and Financial Assistance

For individual shipyards, capital assistance can go up to Rs 100 crore or 10% of the eligible fixed capital incentive, whichever is lower. The state will also provide a top-up incentive of up to Rs 50 crore for small, large, and specialised ships. The state incentive is additional to support under the Central government’s Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme 2025. The policy also covers assistance for infrastructure linked to shipbuilding and ship repair activities.

Skill Development and Maritime Ecosystem

The policy includes training and capacity-building support for more than five lakh people. Gujarat’s maritime ecosystem includes ports, shipyards, marine engineering units, and logistics-linked industries.

Important Facts for Exams

• Deadweight tonnage is a ship’s carrying capacity, including cargo, fuel, water, stores, and crew.
• Integrated shipbuilding parks combine shipyards, component suppliers, and common infrastructure in one industrial zone.
• The Gujarat Maritime Board is the statutory body that manages port and maritime development in Gujarat.
• Porbandar is a coastal district on the Arabian Sea in western Gujarat.

Maritime Manufacturing in India

Shipbuilding is part of the broader maritime manufacturing sector, which includes ship repair, marine equipment, and port-linked industrial activity. India’s shipbuilding policies are linked with industrial development, coastal infrastructure, and skilled manpower creation.