Scaling India’s Shipbuilding Capacity: SBDS in Focus at SAMARTHYA 2026

At SAMARTHYA 2026 – INA–DGS Conclave, a dedicated session on “SBDS, Brownfield & Greenfield Yard Modernisation” was delivered by Shri Ravi Kumar Moka, Ship Surveyor-cum- Deputy Director General (Tech.), Directorate General of Shipping, providing a comprehensive overview of the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SBDS).

The session, chaired by Shri Pradeep Sudhakar, Chief Ship Surveyor, DG Shipping, highlighted SBDS as Pillar III of India’s Four-Pillar Shipbuilding Strategy, with a total allocation of ₹19,989 crore aimed at strengthening capacity, capability, and resilience of the shipbuilding sector.

Key elements discussed included:

• ₹9,930 crore for capital support to greenfield shipbuilding capacity expansion;

• ₹8,261 crore for brownfield expansion and modernisation of existing shipyards;

• ₹305 crore for capability development, including establishment of the India Ship Technology Centre (ISTC);

• ₹1,443 crore for comprehensive shipbuilding risk coverage, including pre-shipment, post-shipment, and vendor default insurance.

The presentation detailed the application and appraisal process under SBDS, including structured project submission, technical and financial evaluation, and milestone-based assistance, ensuring transparency and predictability for stakeholders. It also highlighted support envisaged for ancillary and vendor industries, enabling their integration into the shipbuilding value chain through capacity-linked growth. Emphasis was placed on the handholding and technical support extended by DGS in the formulation, planning, and coordination of major shipbuilding clusters across India, reinforcing SBDS as a facilitative and partnership-driven scheme for ecosystem-level development.