How Mazagon dock seeks to make a mark in merchant shipbuilding Premium
The Hindu
The company, which launched its IPO in 2020, is now listed on the National Stock Exchange as well as the Bombay Stock Exchange.
The 251-year old Mazagon dockyard boasts of an enviable skill-set it has cultivated over the years. Though known as a maker of defence ships, its management cites its record in merchant shipbuilding as well.
The company’s management has come up with a plan to pivot towards the highly competitive world of commercial shipbuilding. The leadership believes technology transfer alone will not help in India’s endeavour to build shipbuilding strength. Operational control may need to be given to strategic partners from South Korea or Japan to help India leapfrog.
The island city of Mumbai’s west coast is characterised by scenic waterfronts, from Marine Drive to Worli Promenade to Haji Ali. On the less scenic east coast are two strategically important docks which have been in operation for over 250 years now.
Towards the southern tip of the city is the Naval Dockyard, a military facility managed by the Indian Navy. A few kilometres up north is Mazagon Dock Private Limited, a facility primarily known for building of defence ships. As one passes from the Eastern Freeway, the logo of MDL is seen on the gigantic, 300 tonne Goliath Crane, an imposing yellow structure. Surrounded by highly dense population clusters, Mazagon dock employs over 6,000 workers. They build warships, submarines, merchant ships of up to 40,000 deadweight tonnes.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited was a small dry dock when it was constructed in 1774. It was incorporated as a Private Limited Company in 1934. In 1960, it was taken over by the Government of India. Over the years, it has grown from a single unit, small ship repair company into a multi-unit and multi-product company, with a significant rise in production, use of modern technology and sophistication of products. The company’s current portfolio of designs spans a wide range of products for both domestic and overseas clients.
Aligning with the government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Maritime India Vision 2030, MDL is now looking to manufacture commercial and large ships with up to 1 lakh tonne DWT (Deadweight Tonnage), which would translate to 1 lakh tonne of cargo carrying capacity.
The U.S. has launched two investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against India and other economies to examine practices that may be ‘unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce’. One probe examines whether countries, including India, are using excess manufacturing capacity to export to the U.S. in a manner that hurts American businesses, while another looks at whether countries have taken ‘sufficient steps’ to prohibit imports of goods produced with forced labour.
NHAI raises annual pass fee to ₹3,075 from April 1, 2026, streamlining toll payments for FASTag users.
The U.S. probes forced labour in global supply chains, scrutinizing China and India's exports, warns the Global Trade Research Initiative.
The Hindu collection of images of the LPG crisis: War lights a kitchen fire
The company, which launched its IPO in 2020, is now listed on the National Stock Exchange as well as the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Explore the Essential Commodities Act's role in addressing India's gas crisis and its impact on various sectors.
Star Health Insurance plans to boost AI-driven claim settlements from 20% to 50% within two years, investing heavily in technology.
The iron ore production has increased by nearly two-thirds since 2015
Benchmark indices fell 2% as high crude oil prices and FII selling pressures impacted market sentiment on March 14, 2026.
Follow The Hindu LIVE for updates on LPG crisis and crude oil prices due to the escalating Iran-Israel war in West Asia.
ICRA projects integrated sugar mills will see 5-8% revenue growth in FY26 due to improved cane supply and stable prices.
Benchmark indices fell 2% as high crude oil prices and FII selling pressures impacted market sentiment on March 14, 2026.
Tecumseh Products plans to introduce new compressor platforms in India, targeting significant growth and enhanced energy efficiency in refrigeration.