Tamil Nadu unveils Shipbuilding Policy 2026 with focus on Green Vessels, Recycling Clusters and Mega Shipyards

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu has unveiled an ambitious Shipbuilding Policy 2026 that places sustainability and green maritime innovation at the centre of the state’s industrial strategy.

The policy, released by Chief Minister Shri MK Stalin on Wednesday (4 March), seeks to position Tamil Nadu as a global hub for environmentally responsible shipbuilding, with a strong emphasis on zero-emission vessels, green recycling practices and advanced maritime manufacturing.

A central pillar of the policy is the promotion of low-carbon shipbuilding technologies. The government will provide dedicated incentives for the construction of “green vessels,” including ships powered by green hydrogen, ammonia and electric propulsion systems.

These measures are intended to support India’s broader Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to significantly cut emissions from the country’s shipping fleet over the coming decades.

The policy also encourages environmentally compliant ship recycling through the creation of specialised Green Ship Recycling clusters.

To accelerate their development, the state has announced a 15 per cent capital subsidy for the first five recycling facilities that secure global environmental certifications such as the Hong Kong International Convention and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.