Andhra Pradesh clears India’s inaugural autonomous maritime shipyard at Nellore, promising 750 new jobs and advanced systems.
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the establishment of India’s first dedicated autonomous maritime shipyard and systems development centre.
The approval, granted on 15 December 2025, paves the way for the facility to be set up at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in the Nellore district.
The project, to be developed by Sagar Defence Engineering, marks a significant milestone for India’s maritime and manufacturing ecosystem. It will be a specialised shipyard focused exclusively on autonomous and unmanned surface and underwater platforms.
The facility is anticipated to create around 750 jobs (300 direct and 450 indirect), bolstering the industrial and skills base in the coastal region.
Autonomous maritime shipyards are advanced industrial facilities designed for the construction, testing, and lifecycle support of unmanned vessels, along with associated intelligent systems and command-and-control technologies.
Officials stated that such facilities are crucial for modern maritime operations, enhancing coastal surveillance, offshore security, and defence preparedness with minimal human intervention. The project will support India’s growing focus on indigenous technologies and maritime self-reliance.
The state government has sanctioned the lease of 29.58 acres of land at the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour to the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board for the project, providing the necessary direct sea access for shipbuilding and system deployment.
SOURCE – HINDUSTAN TIMES
