Maersk and India's Cochin Shipyard (CSL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities in ship repair, maintenance, and building activities in India.
"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," said Maersk.
Under the MoU, Maersk said it would 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 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, AP Moller Maersk.
The MoU encompasses technical expertise sharing to achieve global standards in ship maintenance, the exploration of ship repair, dry docking, and new building opportunities, and joint training programs and skill-development initiatives for both CSL employees and Maersk seafarers
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.