India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders to invest over $4b in capacity upgrades.

India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) is set to invest between US$4.66 billion and US$5.8 billion to expand its manufacturing and repair capacity at its Mumbai facilities. The expansion will cover the construction of two new drydocks and upgrades to existing infrastructure.

MDL executives confirmed that the project will also entail the reclamation of four hectares of land. This will be in addition to six hectares that were acquired from the Mumbai Port Authority (MPA) in April last year. The land acquired from the MPA will be used for new ship construction and repairs/refits of existing vessels, according to the Indian Ministry of Defence.

MDL expects that the completed expansion projects will increase its current shipbuilding capacity from 40,000 DWT to 80,000 DWT. MDL is one of India’s main defence shipbuilders, having constructed numerous ships for the Indian Navy including diesel-electric submarines and 160-metre-long stealth destroyers. The company said its existing shipyard capacity will permit the simultaneous construction of 11 submarines and 10 surface combatants.

Historical Significance –

• Founded in 1774 as a small dry dock, it has evolved into a major shipbuilding yard.

• After being taken over by the Government of India in 1960, it became a PSU under the Ministry of Defence.

• MDL has a long history of building for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, as well as for international clients.

Recent Developments –

• Captain Jagmohan, IN (Retd.) has been appointed as the Chairman & Managing Director.
• MDL is using Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance ship construction.
• The company is also focused on outsourcing activities and expanding its vendor base.
• Ministry of Defence vide their letter No. 1 I (70)/2021/MiscJ D(NS) dated 15 May, 2025 has appointed Mr. Kedar Nath Gupta as Part-time Non-Official (Independent) Director.

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