Cochin Shipyard sails toward sustainability with rooftop solar solutions
ERNAKULAM : The shipbuilding industry has long been synonymous with high energy consumption, from operating dry docks and welding bays to powering massive cranes and fabrication units. For a sector so dependent on heavy machinery, energy efficiency isn’t just about cost savings, it’s a defining factor in building a sustainable future.
Recognizing this shift, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), India’s leading shipbuilding and maintenance company based in Ernakulam, Kerala, has embarked on a decisive move toward renewable energy. In a landmark step, the company has partnered with Orb Energy, one of India’s most trusted providers of made-in-India solar panels and turnkey solar solutions, to commission a 200 kWp rooftop solar system at its Ernakulam facility.
The system, part of Orb Energy’s Solectric series, integrates 800 high-efficiency modules of 250 Wp each, supported by nine 20 kVA inverters and two 15 kVA inverters. Designed to withstand the operational demands of a large industrial site, the installation now generates clean, renewable power that directly supports Cochin Shipyard’s core operations.
Beyond the impressive technical footprint, the project underscores CSL’s commitment to sustainable industrial transformation. The system is expected to deliver annual savings of nearly ₹20 lakh, with a payback period of just three years and six months, proving that going green is also good business.
“Cochin Shipyard’s solar initiative shows that even energy-heavy sectors can take decisive steps toward sustainability without compromising performance. This is the future of any environmentally responsible industry,” says Damian Miller, CEO and Co-founder of Orb Energy.
For Orb Energy, the project is a testament to how renewable energy can seamlessly integrate with India’s heavy industrial ecosystem, from ports and shipyards to manufacturing plants. It aligns perfectly with the nation’s broader goal of transitioning key industries toward cleaner, self-reliant power generation.
By investing in solar, Cochin Shipyard is reducing its carbon footprint, cutting dependency on grid power, and setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the maritime sector. The initiative demonstrates how traditional industries can embrace modern clean-tech solutions without disrupting operations or efficiency.
As the shipyard continues to power its progress through the sun, its partnership with Orb Energy stands as a beacon for India’s industrial transition, one where innovation and sustainability sail together toward a greener horizon