DP World’s ship repair arm, Drydocks World, has signed an agreement with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to jointly evaluate and develop India’s first ship repair cluster at the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) in Cochin, Kerala.
The agreement, signed during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, was formalised in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. The document was signed by Captain Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, and Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL.
The collaboration aims to create a world-class ship repair ecosystem in Cochin, enhancing India’s offshore maintenance and repair capabilities. Strategically located along key global shipping routes, the ISRF already features a modern ship lift system and advanced docking infrastructure capable of handling diverse vessel types.
Under the new partnership, Drydocks World and CSL will explore joint operating models to build an efficient, sustainable, and innovation-driven maritime hub. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s position as a regional leader in ship repair and maritime services.
Captain Rado Antolovic said the collaboration reflects DP World’s commitment to supporting India’s maritime growth.
“Our partnership with Cochin Shipyard marks another milestone in DP World’s commitment to strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and competitiveness,” he said. “By combining Drydocks World’s international expertise with CSL’s local strengths, we’re creating an advanced, sustainable ship repair ecosystem that positions Cochin as the region’s preferred destination.”
CSL Chairman Madhu S. Nair called the partnership a major step forward for India’s maritime industry.
“This collaboration brings together two leading maritime organisations with a shared vision of excellence,” Nair said. “Together, we aim to raise India’s ship repair and maintenance standards to global benchmarks and establish Cochin as a centre of excellence serving regional and international fleets.”
The initiative aligns with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which seeks to transform Cochin into a strategic hub for next-generation ship repair and maintenance. By leveraging CSL’s proven expertise in shipbuilding and Drydocks World’s global experience in vessel conversions and offshore EPC projects, the partnership is expected to deliver a modern, globally competitive ship repair cluster that enhances local capacity, generates jobs, and drives sustainable growth in India’s maritime sector.
