Sarbananda Sonowal applauds HSL’s infrastructure augmentation to double India’s shipbuilding capacity

VISAKHAPATNAM : In a strong endorsement of India’s shipbuilding ambitions under the Maritime India Vision 2030, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, visited Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on July 15 during the Second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025 here.

Accompanied by Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu (IAS), Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), the Minister was apprised of HSL’s strategic advancements and infrastructure augmentation aimed at doubling India’s shipbuilding capacity. Cmde Hemant Khatri (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of HSL, presented an overview of the shipyard’s 85-year legacy and its evolving role in bolstering India’s maritime sector.

During the briefing, HSL showcased its readiness to lead in next-generation shipbuilding with key initiatives such as the development of green tugs, hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessels, and mid-range (MR) tankers and platform supply vessels, aligning with global demands and sustainability goals.

Impressed by the progress, Sonowal said, “HSL is doing a remarkable job for the nation,” and lauded the shipyard’s consistent contribution to India’s maritime growth. He expressed strong support for HSL’s hydrogen tug project under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, urging the team to set global benchmarks in operational excellence and competitiveness.

“Put your ability, potential, and possibilities into the right perspective so that the nation can grow faster and be counted as a leading shipbuilding nation,” the Minister asserted, calling upon HSL to further accelerate innovation and infrastructure development.

The visit underscored HSL’s strategic importance in the BIMSTEC framework and the broader Bay of Bengal region, reaffirming India’s commitment to maritime cooperation, sustainability, and regional leadership in shipbuilding.