SOURCE: AFI
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), India’s leading warship and submarine builder, has announced a massive expansion project aimed at doubling its shipbuilding capacity over the next 4-5 years. With an investment of ?5,000 crore (approximately $600 million), the expansion will include constructing a state-of-the-art dry dock facility measuring an impressive 180 meters in length and 60 meters in width. This new infrastructure will enable MDL to enhance its production rate, modernize operations, and meet the rising demand for advanced naval vessels in India and abroad.
A pivotal component of this expansion is the construction of a new very-long dry dock facility, which will be capable of accommodating some of the largest ships and submarines in the Indian Navy’s fleet. The dry dock, with dimensions of 180 meters in length and 60 meters in width, will significantly increase MDL’s flexibility and allow the shipbuilder to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
This new dry dock will complement MDL’s existing infrastructure, enabling it to handle more complex projects, such as advanced stealth destroyers, frigates, and larger submarines. With this facility, MDL will be able to assemble, inspect, and service larger vessels without impacting the production flow of other projects, thus reducing wait times and improving project timelines.
As the Indian Navy undertakes an extensive fleet modernization program, MDL’s expanded capacity will be crucial for meeting the requirements set out by the Ministry of Defence. Projects such as the P-17A frigates, the Scorpene-class submarine, and other upcoming ship and submarine programs will benefit from MDL’s enhanced shipbuilding capabilities.
By doubling its capacity, MDL will also be better positioned to secure export orders, strengthening India’s presence in the global defense market. With growing demand from friendly foreign nations for Indian-made warships and submarines, MDL’s expanded facility could enable it to supply vessels to key allies, thereby supporting India’s geopolitical influence.
For decades, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has been instrumental in equipping the Indian Navy with domestically produced, world-class vessels. Projects such as the Scorpene-class submarines and the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyers have showcased MDL’s capability to produce sophisticated platforms that meet international standards. The expansion will enable MDL to increase production rates and explore even more complex and innovative shipbuilding designs.
The newly enhanced shipyard will help MDL meet ambitious project timelines and future requirements for more technologically advanced warships, aligning with the Navy’s push for fleet expansion by the late 2030s. The addition of a modern, larger dry dock will allow MDL to cater to the demands for indigenous shipbuilding and overhaul capacities required by an expanding fleet.