Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) has chalked out four strategic pillars for its next phase of growth that will focus on defence shipbuilding, exports, digital transformation and international expansion.
MDL is also strengthening its manufacturing capabilities through the upcoming Nhava Greenfield facility, enhanced ERP systems and advanced inspection and fabrication tools.
Focus on global expansion
“The trilateral MoU among MDL, the Indian Navy and the Brazilian Navy for structured information exchange on the maintenance of Scorpene-class submarines and other military ships reflects the growing international trust in MDL and India’s defence shipbuilding capabilities,” said its Chairman & Managing Director Capt. Jagmohan (Retd.) in a letter to shareholders.
“As a premier defence shipyard, we remain committed to delivering complex naval platforms with engineering excellence, innovation and execution discipline, while contributing to India’s maritime aspirations and creating long-term stakeholder value.”
Building global capabilities
According to him, MDL’s engineering capabilities and industrial infrastructure have demonstrated that India can design, build and deliver frontline naval combatants indigenously.
Following the acquisition of a 51% stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC last year, MDL plans to expand its ship repair and commercial shipbuilding business, deepen engagement with regional and international customers and build a long-term maritime platform in the Indian Ocean Region.
Green shipping initiatives
MDL has secured a contract from the Shipping Corporation of India to build a methanol-fuelled Platform Supply Vessel, the first such vessel to be constructed in India.
The project positions the company at the forefront of green maritime innovation and supports India’s transition towards cleaner shipping technologies.
Higher indigenisation
The indigenous content in ships built by MDL has increased from 42% in the P15 Delhi-class Destroyers of the 1990s to about 75% in the P17A Nilgiri-class Frigates.
The company expects localisation levels to increase further in future destroyer and frigate programmes as it continues to strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Long-term roadmap
Known as the “Ship & Submarine Builders to the Nation”, MDL remains one of India’s leading defence shipyards, specialising in the construction, repair and refit of warships and submarines at its Mumbai and Nhava facilities.
The company has identified six strategic priorities for the years ahead. These include completing the P17A programme, integrating Colombo Dockyard, expanding India’s maritime presence in the Indian Ocean, leading the maritime energy transition, scaling exports, building next-generation infrastructure and increasing indigenisation from 75% to 100%.