Under the consultancy assignment, the selected consultant will prepare a comprehensive DPR assessing the feasibility and suitability of the proposed site for establishing a state-of-the-art shipbuilding cluster
The VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has initiated the process of developing a major greenfield shipbuilding cluster near Thoothukudi, issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to appoint a consultant for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project.The proposed cluster, spread across approximately 2,500 acre identified and earmarked in the vicinity of VOC Port, is being planned as part of India’s broader strategy to emerge as one of the world’s top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.VOCPA, under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) have formed a special purpose vehicle, National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Tamil Nadu Ltd (NSHIPTN), to establish the shipbuilding cluster at Thoothukudi.The project is aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which envisage a significant expansion of India’s shipbuilding capabilities.Site feasibilityUnder the consultancy assignment, the selected consultant will prepare a comprehensive DPR assessing the feasibility and suitability of the proposed site for establishing a state-of-the-art shipbuilding cluster. The study will include a multidisciplinary evaluation of the project and a detailed assessment of market potential and demand for shipbuilding and ship-repair services.The consultant will also be tasked with preparing detailed designs for critical shipyard infrastructure and developing a shipyard layout plan. The assessment will cover technical requirements, including berthing facilities, breakwaters, dredging requirements, stack yards and the overall water-area infrastructure needed for shipbuilding and repair operations.As part of the initial assessment, the consultant will undertake stakeholder consultations with international shipping lines, feeder operators and terminal operators to assess the project’s potential and market acceptability. These consultations will also be used to validate assumptions made during the preparation of the DPR.The consultancy assignment will culminate in a clear action plan for implementation of the proposed shipbuilding cluster, along with an implementation schedule and a funding plan, the tender document says.Published on September 3, 2026
