The aim of the collaboration is to strengthen Machilipatnam Port as a defense manufacturing and logistics hub. | Photo credit: GN Rao
In a major strategic boost for Andhra Pradesh, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) has chosen Machilipatnam for its next phase of warship building and defense manufacturing expansion on the east coast – one of the most significant developments yet for the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB).
The landmark MoU signed on the second day (November 15) of the CII Partnership Summit between APMB and GSL positions Machilipatnam as a critical pillar in India’s shipbuilding ecosystem and reinforces AP’s growing role in the country’s maritime and defense corridor.
The partnership will see GSL and APMB work together to create state-of-the-art facilities for the construction of next-generation naval vessels – including Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Missile Boats and Coastal Security Vessels – in addition to defence-grade repairs, advanced dry-docking, system integration and the development of an ecosystem that supports highly skilled marine engineering. The collaboration also aims to strengthen Machilipatnam Port as a defense manufacturing and logistics hub.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said, “Goa Shipyard choosing Machilipatnam to build warships is a milestone for Andhra Pradesh. This partnership strengthens India’s naval capabilities while accelerating our mission to build a world-class naval and defense infrastructure. It will create future-ready jobs and transform Machilipatnam into a strategic hub.”
Goa Shipyard Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay said, “Machilipatnam offers an ideal ecosystem for our next phase of growth on the East Coast. With this partnership, GSL will not only expand advanced warship building and defense manufacturing, but also create thousands of highly skilled jobs in marine engineering and related sectors. We look forward to working closely with the world shipbuilding hub of Andhra Pradesh. The country.”
The project is expected to create 6,500 jobs in its first phase, including 1,500 direct jobs by 2030 – including skilled personnel, payroll and contract workers at the facility – and about 5,000 indirect jobs through supply chain, port-related services, logistics and a cluster of associated industries that will develop around the defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Published – 15 Nov 2025 20:25 IST
