Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries.
The agreement, signed on September 30, 2025, aims to collaborate on shipbuilding and heavy engineering projects, both domestically and internationally.
This partnership comes at a time when the Indian government is pushing aggressively to transform the country into a global shipbuilding hub, backed by substantial financial support.
SDHI, recognised as India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company, will work alongside Samsung, a world leader in constructing specialised and complex vessels.
The MoU focuses on exploring opportunities in commercial shipbuilding, offshore engineering, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as green shipping solutions and digital methods.
Officials from both companies stated that this collaboration will enhance India’s capabilities in building high-value vessels, reducing dependence on foreign imports. A spokesperson for SDHI emphasised that the tie-up aligns perfectly with national initiatives to bolster the maritime ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has rolled out a massive Rs 70,000 crore package to revitalise the shipbuilding industry. Approved by the Union Cabinet recently, this funding is part of the expanded Maritime Development Fund, which includes incentives, interest subsidies, and long-term finance for domestic shipyards.
The initiative seeks to position India among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047, as highlighted in official statements. The package, valued at approximately Rs 69,725 crore, will support infrastructure development, port-linked projects, and green hydrogen-powered ships, marking a ‘Maruti moment’ for the sector to cut reliance on overseas vessels.
The government has identified coastal regions in states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh for mega shipbuilding facilities, with talks of projects worth Rs 10,000 crore involving other global players like HD Hyundai.
The Swan-Samsung partnership is expected to leverage these funds, potentially creating thousands of jobs and fostering technology transfer.
This MoU could pave the way for joint ventures in specialised vessels, including those for defence purposes, though the primary focus remains commercial.