Why in News? 

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state's investment promotion agency. The agreement aims to explore the development of a world-class greenfield shipyard on India's eastern coast, a move that is part of the Government of India's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The MoU was signed on September 19, 2025, at an event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, and is expected to significantly boost the country's shipbuilding capabilities and create employment opportunities.

Key Points

• Strategic Location: The new shipyard will be a crucial addition to India's maritime infrastructure, balancing MDL's existing operations on the western coast in Mumbai.
• Investment and Employment: The project is anticipated to involve a substantial investment of around ₹15,000 crore and is projected to create more than 45,000 jobs, including 5,000 direct and 40,000 indirect roles.
• National Vision: The initiative is aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to make India a global maritime leader.
• Collaboration: The MoU signifies a strong collaboration between a central government defence PSU and a state government agency, highlighting a coordinated effort to strengthen India's defence and commercial shipbuilding sectors.
• Feasibility Study: The agreement is an initial step to conduct feasibility studies and engage with stakeholders to determine the project's operational and financial contours.

Important Terms

• Greenfield Shipyard: A shipyard built from scratch on a new, undeveloped site, rather than expanding an existing facility.
• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: A strategic blueprint by the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to transform India into a global maritime power by 2047.
• Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU): A state-owned company that operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, primarily involved in manufacturing military equipment.