CSL plans to set up Ship repair complex at Vizhinjam

Public sector Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is planning to set up a ship repair complex and yard in near the proposed international Port at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram with an initial investment of Rs 1,000 crore.

The EoI (Experssion of Interest) in this regard has been submitted to the Kerala government and the yard is awaiting the state's response, CSL sources said.

The Cochin Shipyard is in the process of preparing the project proposal and is likely to submit a comprehensive proposal to the State Government soon.

The CSL has projected a requirement of 150 to 200 acres of land with a water front length of 1.5 km to 2 kM which will have connectivity to the shipping channel.

The initial investment, excluding the land cost, is expected to be around Rs 1,000 crore for the project, with employment potential of 1,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs.

The sources said Vizhinjam was a suitable location for a Shipyard/Ship Repair Complex due to its proximity to the international port with a natural draft of about 12 metres. Besides, there is scope for future expansion. Presently, shipping operations are confined to small vessels in Vizhinjam.

The site identified for setting up of the Shipyard / Ship Repair Complex is about 10 KM south east of Vizhinjam.

The major rail road in the Vizhinjam-Poovar area are the NH47 connecting Salem to Kanyakumari and Southern Railway broad gauge line (Trivandrum-Nagercoil) and are located around 8 to 10 KM north east of Poovar. These facilities are to be extended to the proposed Ship Repair Site at Poovar.

The site also has other advantages like water supply, power supply and proximity to Trivandrum international Airport, CSL sources said.

The proposed shipyard-ship repair complex would be a world class facility and give an impetus to the national ship building / repair efforts, the sources said.