T’puram: The state govt has facilitated a joint venture between Malabar Cements Ltd and Artson Engineering Limited – a Tata Projects Group company – to establish a shipbuilding unit at Cochin Port.“All major approvals required for the project have already been secured. Cochin Port Authority has made the necessary land available and has begun preliminary development work. The govt views this project as a major step toward creating a modern shipbuilding ecosystem in Kerala,” said a statement.The statement added that an investment potential to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore was total scale of investments the govt hopes to attract to the state over the coming years through multiple projects and a range of investors.“Mission Samudra is not limited to a single shipbuilding unit. The govt intends to implement an integrated maritime development strategy by leveraging the state’s coastal region, including Vizhinjam International Seaport, Cochin Port and Cochin Shipyard. This broader plan covers shipbuilding, ship repair, offshore fabrication, marine engineering, coastal manufacturing units, logistics, maritime services, and other allied industries,” the statement said.Discussions are currently under way with leading domestic and international investors in connection with these projects, the govt said. The govt is confident that these talks will bring substantial investment to the state in the near future, the statement said and added that official announcements will be made as each investment proposal reaches its final stage.“The state govt remains committed to fostering an investment-friendly environment, building a globally competitive maritime manufacturing ecosystem in Kerala, and laying a strong foundation for the state’s long-term economic development.”Through Mission Samudra, the govt aims to transform Kerala into a comprehensive shipbuilding ecosystem, it added.
