GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat has unveiled an ambitious maritime infrastructure expansion programme by inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the development of three greenfield shipyards, an Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Cluster and six new greenfield ports along its coastline. The large-scale initiative is expected to further strengthen the state’s position as India’s leading maritime and shipbuilding hub while supporting the country’s long-term vision of expanding domestic shipbuilding capacity and port infrastructure.
According to the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), the proposed projects are expected to attract investments exceeding ₹35,000 crore. The EOI process covers projects spread across more than 4,500 hectares, including shipyards with a combined annual shipbuilding capacity of approximately 3 to 3.9 million gross tonnes (GT) and six strategically located greenfield ports to be developed under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model.
The proposed shipbuilding facilities will be developed at Mithapur (Devbhumi Dwarka), Ghogha (Bhavnagar) and Vadhera (Amreli), while the Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Cluster is planned at Kuchhadi in Porbandar. Spread over around 823 hectares with a 2.7-km waterfront, the cluster is envisioned as a comprehensive ecosystem for shipbuilding, ship repair and marine ancillary industries, contributing significantly to India’s maritime manufacturing capabilities.
In parallel, GMB has proposed six new greenfield ports at Nana Layja (Kutch), Vadhera (Amreli), Vadodra Jhala (Gir Somnath), Damka (Surat), Lakhanka (Bhavnagar) and Bhogat (Devbhumi Dwarka). Together spanning nearly 3,200 hectares, these ports have been identified following preliminary feasibility studies evaluating marine conditions, cargo potential, industrial hinterland and connectivity. The ports are expected to have an initial handling capacity of 5–10 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and are estimated to attract investments of around ₹10,000 crore.
The proposed port projects will be implemented through the BOOT concession model, with indicative concession periods ranging from 30 to 50 years, subject to the final bidding process. The EOIs mark the beginning of a global market consultation aimed at attracting domestic and international investors. According to the EOI notice issued by GMB, interested parties can download the EOI documents from the Board’s official website, with submissions due by 21 September 2026 at 6:10 PM (IST).
The projects are expected to feature prominently during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027, where the state will showcase these strategic maritime infrastructure opportunities to investors from across the world. With this initiative, Gujarat continues to reinforce its leadership in India’s maritime sector through large-scale investments in ports, shipbuilding and allied industries.
