HD Hyundai has forged a significant strategic partnership with the Tamil Nadu state government to establish a new shipyard in southern India. The formalization of this agreement took place during a ceremony in Madurai, attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, State Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, and Choi Hannae, Head of Corporate Planning at HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering.

Supporting India’s Ambition for Global Shipbuilding Leadership

This collaboration aligns with India’s accelerated Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, an initiative designed to position the nation among the world’s top five shipbuilding and shipping powers. To realize this objective, the Indian government is actively exploring both the expansion of existing shipyards and the development of new facilities nationwide.

Tamil Nadu, along with Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, was among five states shortlisted as potential locations for the new shipyard. The state has proactively positioned itself by offering incentives, subsidies, enhanced infrastructure, and skilled workforce development programs. Ultimately, Tamil Nadu selected HD Hyundai as its partner for this pivotal shipyard development.

Thoothukudi Identified as an Ideal Location

The port city of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu is considered an optimal site for the shipyard, owing to its climate similarities with Ulsan, South Korea, the home base of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The region already hosts significant Korean investments, including those from Hyundai Motor Company and Samsung Electronics, with further large-scale port infrastructure developments planned. These advancements are poised to unlock substantial economic potential for both Tamil Nadu and HD Hyundai.

Expanded Strategic Cooperation with BEML

Earlier this month, HD Hyundai also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BEML, a public sector undertaking under India’s Ministry of Defence. This agreement aims to bolster development in maritime and port crane manufacturing. BEML operates across the defense, aerospace, construction, mining, and rail transport sectors, with manufacturing facilities located throughout southern India.

The collaborative effort will encompass the design, manufacturing, and quality assurance of port cranes, with the goal of building domestic production capabilities. HD Hyundai intends to expand its crane business in India by supplying goliath and jib cranes to local shipyards.

Demonstrated Commitment to the Indian Market

HD Hyundai has steadily increased its presence within the Indian maritime sector. Earlier this year, HD Hyundai Samho delivered a 600-ton Goliath crane to Cochin Shipyard. Furthermore, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering recently acquired HD Hyundai Eco Vina from Doosan Enerbility, reinforcing its crane business portfolio.

The company has also deepened its long-term collaboration with Cochin Shipyard, initially focusing on design, productivity enhancement, and workforce development. This partnership has since evolved to include naval shipbuilding projects, indicating significant future growth prospects.

HD Hyundai signs MOU with Tamil Nadu to develop new Indian shipyard