In 2024, the Indian government launched a new Shipbuilding Scheme to revitalise the indigenous shipbuilding industry. This initiative is a deliberate move to strengthen India’s maritime sector, raise global competitiveness, and promote economic growth through greater ship building. The New Shipbuilding Scheme’s key goals are to increase shipbuilding in India, create jobs, and lessen the country’s reliance on foreign shipbuilders. By incentivising domestic shipyards, the government hopes to develop a strong maritime infrastructure and establish India as a major player in the global shipbuilding market.
The system provides large financial incentives to shipyards, such as subsidies and tax breaks. These financial incentives are intended to reduce shipbuilding capital costs, making large-scale projects more economically feasible for Indian shipyards. To improve shipbuilding skills, the government is investing in infrastructure like dry docks, workshops, and innovative machinery. This assistance aims to address present limits and increase the efficiency of ship construction procedures.
The plan funds research and development in shipbuilding technologies, recognising the value of innovation. This financing will assist Indian shipyards in adopting cutting-edge technologies and increasing their global competitiveness. A large portion of the strategy focusses on worker development and training. The government’s investment in shipbuilding education and training strives to ensure that the industry has a pool of competent labour capable of achieving worldwide standards.
The strategy also includes initiatives to streamline regulatory processes, lower bureaucratic barriers, and speed up project approvals. This simplification aims to make the shipbuilding process more efficient and less onerous. The New Shipbuilding Scheme is designed to benefit the Indian shipbuilding sector as well as the overall economy. The initiative, which provides financial and infrastructure support, is projected to increase the number of ships produced in India, improving the country’s export potential. Furthermore, the introduction of new job possibilities and the improvement of technology capabilities are expected to boost economic growth and innovation.
Furthermore, the initiative aspires to establish Indian shipyards as competitive competitors in the global market, attracting international clients and potentially increasing foreign investment. This would benefit not only the indigenous shipbuilding sector, but also the broader growth of India’s maritime industry.
The New Shipbuilding Scheme of 2024 is a significant step towards revitalising India’s shipbuilding sector. By offering a comprehensive set of incentives and support mechanisms, the government intends to transform Indian shipyards into major players on a worldwide scale. If successful, the program will increase India’s maritime capabilities, boost economic development, and establish the country as a major shipbuilding hub.
Marex Media