Cochin Shipyard is considering to make a Rs 3,000 crore investment for a block fabrication facility (BFF) at Vallarpadam, Kochi, aiming to enhance its shipbuilding capabilities.

The facility will produce steel blocks, pre-outfitted, painted, and finished, which will be transported to the new drydock for ship construction. This facility is expected to have a capacity of one lakh tonne of steel blocks, streamlining the shipbuilding process and expediting production. The BFF is slated for completion in 40 months, pending approvals. However, the project is awaiting land approval from Cochin Port and the Kerala Government.

Following the signing of six LNG-fuelled ships with CMA CGM, Cochin Shipyard is exploring additional orders. The yard is also eyeing government funding for both greenfield and brownfield projects. Additionally, the company will showcase its facilities during the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, which aims to position India among the top shipbuilding nations by 2047.