A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities in ship repair, maintenance, and building activities in India.
The collaboration will initially focus on vessels up to 7,000 TEU for afloat repairs and up to 4,000 TEU for dry-docking, with capabilities expected to expand over time.
“The first Maersk vessel repair at CSL, planned already for 2025, will mark the beginning of what we envisage as a long-term collaborative relationship,” said Leonardo Sonzio, head of fleet management and technology, A.P. Moller-Maersk.
Under the MoU, Maersk will leverage its expertise as an off-taker in its global fleet to strengthen CSL’s capabilities, primarily focusing on container ship maintenance, repair, and drydocking operations.
The MoU comprises key areas of cooperation such as technical expertise sharing for achieving global standards in ship maintenance, exploration of ship repair, dry docking, and new building opportunities, joint training programs focusing responsible practices and skill development initiatives for both CSL employees and Maersk seafarers.
The collaboration comes at a crucial time when the global shipping industry is expected to face capacity constraints in ship repair yards around the world.
“Combining Maersk’s global expertise with CSL’s capabilities would help position ourselves to capture a larger share of the global ship repair and building market,” added Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, executive director, Cochin Shipyard Limited.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd. is a Government of India (GoI) enterprise established in 1972 with facilities in Mumbai, Kolkata, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Udupi. CSL has built ships for the defense (including aircraft carrier), and for the commercial shipping and offshore industries.
The partnership aligns with the government of India’s Vision 2047 maritime objectives and recent Union Budget 2025-26 announcements to position India among the top five global maritime hubs, said a press release.
