Commander Abhilash Tomy unveils new range of watercraft in the presence of MKEL Marine Founder and CEO Jose Babu Maliakel.
Kochi-based watercraft specialist MKEL Marine has launched five lines of indigenously built watercraft, with an aim to position Kerala as a hub for high-performance boating and advanced composite engineering.The range, designed, engineered and manufactured at the company’s facility in Njarakkal near Kochi, was unveiled by circumnavigator Commander Abhilash Tomy, the first Indian to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.The product portfolio comprises Touring & Expedition Kayaks, Stand-Up Paddle Boards & Surfboards, Velor Powerboat Series, Work Boats and Sailing Yachts.“By integrating globally benchmarked composite technology with indigenous naval design, we are laying the groundwork for a structural transformation in India’s leisure and performance maritime industry. Our mission is to evolve Kerala into Asia’s flagship hub for high-performance watercraft manufacturing and design,” said Jose Babu Maliakel, founder and CEO of MKEL Marine.The company has also entered into a non-exclusive design licensing agreement with Perth-based B&G Yacht Design, founded by renowned yacht designer Roberto Barros, to build and sell two B&G sailing yacht designs. MKEL Marine will undertake plug and mould construction as well as classification documentation in-house.The company is targeting markets in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Maldives. It aims to establish Kerala as a domestic leader in advanced composite manufacturing while emerging as an exporter of marine lifestyle products.According to Maliakel, the initiative is intended to reduce India’s dependence on imported high-end boats while creating opportunities to tap international markets.Published on August 31, 2026
