Tata’s Artson Engineering joins Malabar Cements to build ships at Cochin Port

Kerala is pushing ahead with an integrated maritime development strategy called Mission Samudra, and its first major move has arrived: a joint venture between Malabar Cements Ltd and Artson Engineering Limited, part of the Tata Projects Group, to build ships at Cochin Port.

According to a state government statement, the mission is built around Kerala’s coastal assets, including Vizhinjam International Seaport, Cochin Port and Cochin Shipyard, and covers shipbuilding, ship repair, offshore fabrication, marine engineering, coastal manufacturing units, logistics and allied maritime services.

The Malabar Cements-Artson shipbuilding unit has already cleared the approvals stage. “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 government said.

Beyond this single unit, the state is eyeing a much bigger number: an investment potential of Rs 10,000 crore that it hopes to draw to Kerala over the coming years through multiple projects and a range of domestic and international investors.

The government said talks with several investors are already in progress, and it plans to make official announcements as each investment proposal reaches its final stage, calling the effort part of a long-term push for the state’s economic development.

Wikimedia Commons/by Ranjithsiji