Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, visited Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to inaugurate advanced shipbuilding facilities aimed at accelerating India’s maritime capabilities under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. During the visit, the Minister unveiled the ProArc CNC Plasma Cum Oxy Fuel Plate Cutting Machine—an Industry 4.0-ready, IoT-enabled system designed to enhance shipbuilding precision, efficiency, and real-time monitoring. The move aligns with the government’s revamped Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) 2.0 and strengthens India's domestic manufacturing prowess. Shri Sonowal also presided over the steel-cutting ceremony for two hybrid Green Tugs under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). CSL is the first Indian shipyard to construct these tugs, with 16 such vessels planned across major Indian ports. The initiative is being executed in collaboration with global experts including Robert Allan Ltd. and the Indian Register of Shipping. “The launch of Industry 4.0-ready facilities and the Green Tug Transition Programme marks a transformative leap in India's shipbuilding and green maritime journey,” said Shri Sonowal. “These initiatives represent India's resolve to lead the global green maritime movement.” Highlighting CSL’s legacy, the Minister noted its role in building the iconic INS Vikrant, delivering over 175 vessels, and completing more than 2,500 ship repairs. He also reviewed progress on India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (12,000 cu.m), being built in partnership with IHC Holland for the Dredging Corporation of India. The dredger is expected to reduce foreign dependency and boost coastal infrastructure in line with the Maritime Amritkaal Vision, 2047. Emphasizing human resource development, Shri Sonowal praised CSL’s USHUS Marine Startup Programme and its collaboration with Maersk and ASAP Kerala for skilling the future maritime workforce. Investments in AI, deep-tech, and renewables through these platforms are seen as key to job creation and global leadership in marine innovation. The visit follows the Union Budget 2025–26 announcement of a Rs 250 billion Maritime Development Fund (MDF), which aims to mobilize Rs 1.5 trillion in maritime investments by 2030. With a 46% rise in the Ministry's budget allocation and a 143% increase in R&D funding, the government has made its strongest financial commitment yet to maritime growth. Shri Sonowal also pointed to key legislative reforms like the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 and Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, which aim to streamline regulations, promote Indian-flagged vessels, enhance environmental safeguards, and uplift seafarer welfare. “Cochin Shipyard Limited stands as the Pride of India,” Shri Sonowal declared, “and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s leadership, India is anchoring a new era of maritime transformation.”