Indian conglomerate the Tata Group has unveiled plans to invest the nearly INR100 billion (US$1 billion) for the establishment of a shipbuilding venture in Kerala state.
The investment, which remains subject to the state government's approval, will also cover the establishment of ship maintenance facilities, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan confirmed.
The chief minister added that discussions with Tata would be finalised within a month and that the government would provide the land that the company will need for the venture. However, no details have been provided on the exact location of the planned shipyard.
In early 2025, Tata subsidiary Artson Engineering had entered into a memorandum of understanding with Malabar Cements (MCL) regarding the establishment of facilities dedicated to the manufacture of passenger vessels of up to 100 tonnes displacement each.
The MOU between Artson and MCL called for the construction of the new facility on 2.8 hectares leased by MCL from Cochin Port in Kerala.
