Kochi: The inauguration of the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) in Kochi marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure development, reinforcing the country’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for ship repair. Developed under the Sagarmala Programme and aligned with the Maritime Vision 2030, the state-of-the-art facility is expected to transform Kochi into a major international maritime repair hub.
Established with an investment of approximately ₹970 crore, the ISRF has been designed as a world-class maritime repair ecosystem that will substantially enhance India’s ship repair capabilities. The facility, which has been operational since August 2024 at Willingdon Island, Kochi, has already received all necessary statutory and environmental clearances.
The new facility features a robust infrastructure, including a ship lift capable of handling vessels up to 130 metres in length, 26 metres in beam, and up to 6,000 tonnes lightweight. In addition, the ISRF houses six repair bays supported by 1,400 metres of waterfront, enabling simultaneous afloat repair operations for multiple vessels.
According to Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the facility is expected to undertake repairs for up to 84 small and medium-sized vessels annually. Beyond strengthening domestic ship repair capacity, the project is projected to generate more than 2,000 direct employment opportunities, providing a significant boost to the regional economy and the maritime workforce.
The ISRF also incorporates a comprehensive maritime ecosystem, featuring a maritime park, integrated dry dock facilities, and advanced repair workshops, enabling the execution of sophisticated repair and maintenance projects. Industry experts believe the facility will help reduce India’s dependence on overseas ship repair yards while attracting international business to Indian shores.
The development further strengthens the legacy of Cochin Shipyard Limited, one of India’s premier shipbuilding and ship repair companies. Incorporated in 1972 as a wholly-owned Government of India enterprise, CSL has emerged as a leader in the Indian maritime sector over the past five decades. The shipyard is capable of constructing vessels of up to 110,000 DWT and repairing ships of up to 125,000 DWT, making it one of the country’s most capable maritime facilities.
CSL has delivered some of India’s largest vessels, including two 95,000 DWT double-hull Aframax tankers, and has secured orders from globally renowned shipowners across Europe and the Middle East. The shipyard has also been entrusted with strategic national projects, including the construction of India’s first indigenous Air Defence Ship.
Since commencing ship repair operations in 1982, CSL has undertaken a wide range of complex repair and modernisation projects for the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, ONGC, Shipping Corporation of India, port authorities, and international commercial operators. Over the years, the company has developed extensive expertise in handling sophisticated repair assignments and continues to play a vital role in advancing India’s maritime self-reliance.
With the commissioning of the International Ship Repair Facility, Cochin Shipyard is expected to further accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a globally competitive ship repair hub while strengthening the nation’s maritime ecosystem and coastal shipping capabilities.
