Goa aims to build green, export-driven shipbuilding hub by 2037: CM Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced an ambitious plan to transform the state into a leading green and export-oriented shipbuilding centre, backed by a dedicated Shipbuilding Vision 2037 and a forthcoming comprehensive policy framework.

Speaking at the Goa State Session during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Sawant said the state government is preparing a master plan to make Goa a model for sustainable passenger and cargo movement.

“Our Shipbuilding Vision 2037 aims to position Goa as a green and smart shipbuilding hub. The upcoming shipbuilding policy will focus on innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. Goa’s shipyards have already delivered advanced vessels for both domestic and international clients, including fully electric and hybrid craft,” Sawant said.

The plan, he added, will complement Goa’s broader maritime initiatives, supporting new tourism circuits, modern fisheries infrastructure, shipyard capacity expansion, and improved maritime logistics to strengthen the state’s blue economy.

Sawant also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise Goa’s water taxi and ferry services in collaboration with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. The upgraded network is expected to significantly cut travel time, with interstate ferry routes—such as Goa–Mumbai—currently under consideration.

Industry leaders have welcomed the state’s renewed maritime push. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Goa Chapter recently urged the government to strategically position Goa as a major shipbuilding hub within India’s expanding maritime ecosystem.

Goa currently accounts for around 40% of India’s total commercial vessel deliveries as of September 2025, making it the country’s top-performing shipbuilding state. The sector, valued at ₹2,865 crore in FY24, is projected to grow nearly 22-fold to ₹64,058 crore by FY37, potentially contributing about 11% of Goa’s GSDP. The industry already supports over 3,000 direct and 18,000 indirect jobs.

However, stakeholders caution that Goa’s strong market share stems from a relatively small national base. With clear policy direction, strategic partnerships, and a focus on sustainability, Goa is poised to evolve into a next-generation shipbuilding hub driving green innovation and export growth for India’s maritime future.