Ponnani set to anchor Kerala's next maritime growth story

KERALA is preparing to strengthen its position in India's maritime sector with the establishment of a major shipbuilding centre at Ponnani Port.

Planned under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, the project is expected to become the state's second major shipbuilding facility after Kochi and could transform the historic coastal town into an important industrial and logistics hub.

The proposed shipyard will be developed on nearly 29 acres of land on the western side of the Ponnani Fishing Harbour under the Kerala Maritime Board. The project will be implemented in phases, beginning with facilities to build small vessels such as ferries, fishing boats and coastal cargo vessels.

A later phase will expand the yard's capacity to construct larger ships, with the total investment estimated at around ₹1,200 crore.

Officials believe the project will generate around 1,000 direct jobs besides creating thousands of indirect employment opportunities in engineering, fabrication, logistics and allied industries. A dedicated training institute for shipbuilding and marine skills is also planned to prepare a skilled workforce for the expanding sector.

The shipyard is expected to breathe new life into Ponnani Port by paving the way for cargo operations and encouraging investment in related maritime infrastructure.

Once operational, the facility is expected to contribute significantly to the economic development of the Malabar region while strengthening Kerala's growing role in India's coastal shipping and shipbuilding industries.

With Ponnani's rich maritime heritage stretching back centuries, the new shipbuilding centre represents more than an infrastructure project—it marks a fresh chapter in reviving one of Kerala's historic ports as a modern gateway for trade, industry and employment.