Bhubaneswar: The Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd jointly organized a seminar on shipbuilding on the evening of September 19 at the Bhubaneswar Club alongside the Forum for River and Ocean Scientists and Technologists. The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and technical experts to discuss the future prospects and strategic development of a dedicated shipbuilding industry in Odisha.
Dr. Prabodh Kumar Mohanty, President of the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited, opened the seminar with his welcome address. In his remarks, Dr. Mohanty emphasized the importance and timely nature of holding a conference dedicated to maritime and shipyard development in the state.
UCCIL Chief highlighted how the industrialist and commercial members of the chamber can play a vital role in executing these developmental goals.
Dr. Mohanty expressed his gratitude toward the Government of Odisha for taking concrete steps in this direction, specifically acknowledging the plans to establish a dedicated maritime cluster at Mahakalpada in Kendrapara district.
The seminar served as a platform to align local industry initiatives with broader state and national targets. Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Industries and I&PR Shri Hemant Sharma noted that shipbuilding is a multi-dimensional industry in which India — and Odisha in particular — has so far played only a minor role.
He said a mega shipbuilding cluster is planned, with the state government providing supporting facilities and infrastructure not only for a large shipyard but also for a number of smaller yards. He stressed the need to bring in an internationally reputed anchor yard to guide the state’s efforts, noting that international players are already competing for a foothold in India’s shipbuilding industry and that the government intends to select the best-suited partner.
ACS Shri Sharma identified Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur ports as potential local facilitators for the effort.
Professor S. C. Misra of FROST, former DRDO Director General Dr. Manu Korulla, and former Cochin Shipyard Chairman Madhu S. Nair addressed the meeting. Throughout the session, experts highlighted national goals under the Maritime Amritkal Vision, which aims to elevate India into the top ten shipbuilding nations globally by 2030 and the top five by 2047.
Key discussions centered around the necessity of establishing mega maritime clusters, building infrastructure for both large and small shipyards, and bringing in an internationally reputed anchor yard to guide the state’s efforts. Speakers pointed to potential hub locations such as Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, while stressing the need for skilled workforce training, digital automation, and green shipping practices.
Through the efforts of leadership like Dr. Prabodh Kumar Mohanty, the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited continues to bridge the gap between government planning and commercial execution to foster sustainable industrial growth in Odisha.