AP Moller – Maersk (Maersk) and Cochin Shipyard Ltd( CSL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities in ship repair, maintenance, and building activities in India.
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.
Strengthening capabilities
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 dry-docking operations.
Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management & Technology, AP Moller – Maersk said the first Maersk vessel repair at CSL, planned already for 2025, will mark the beginning of what the company envisage as a long-term collaborative relationship.
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, CSL.
The MoU encompasses several key areas of cooperation which include technical expertise sharing for achieving global standards in ship maintenance; exploration of ship repair, dry docking, and new building opportunities; joint training programmes focusing responsible practices; skill development initiatives for both CSL employees and Maersk seafarers.
The partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s maritime sector growth, supporting the government’s vision of developing world-class ship repair and building capabilities within the country. 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.