HSL can make India become a naval MRO hub

India is well-positioned to become a regional hub for maritime maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, driven by strategic advantages in location, capability, and proven expertise. At the forefront of this transformation is Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) — India’s oldest shipyard — whose successful turnaround underscores the potential for naval MRO not merely as a necessity but as a profitable, growth-oriented business.

India’s geographical position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a significant strategic advantage, particularly the eastern coast where HSL is situated in Visakhapatnam. Proximity to key maritime trade routes and critical chokepoints, including the Strait of Malacca, positions HSL as a strategic hub for servicing both commercial and naval vessels transiting between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

As geopolitical tensions escalate and maritime activity intensifies in the region, demand for reliable naval maintenance services is rising rapidly. Countries that operate warships and submarines in these waters — including the US, France, Australia, and Japan — require repair and maintenance facilities closer to their operational zones. India, through HSL, can step up to fill this gap...India’s naval platforms include aircraft carriers such as INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, destroyers and frigates like the Kolkata-class and Shivalik-class, and submarines including the Kalvari-class and Kilo-class. As these vessels age, they require routine maintenance, mid-life upgrades, and refits — a demand that Indian shipyards, notably HSL, are increasingly fulfilling. Simultaneously, India’s growing commercial shipping fleet further contributes to the rising demand for comprehensive ship repair facilities...HSL has established an impressive reputation, particularly in submarine refits, having successfully executed significant projects including: INS Sindhukirti (EKM-class submarine)

Among its notable achievements, HSL’s refurbishment of ONGC’s 36-year-old drill ship, Modu Sagar Bhushan, demonstrated its advanced engineering capabilities and comprehensive project management skills. The successful ten-month overhaul of this complex vessel underscores HSL’s capacity to handle challenging ship repair and upgrade tasks efficiently...For India to fully capitalize on its naval MRO capabilities, several enhancements are required, including expanded infrastructure such as dry docks, ship lifts, and testing facilities; government policy incentives to attract international clientele; strategic global partnerships; and increased adoption of advanced technologies like AI-driven diagnostics, robotics, and predictive maintenance techniques.

This financial turnaround demonstrates conclusively that naval MRO is not merely a cost center but a potential revenue-generating business, paving the way for growth and expansion. as a leading naval MRO destination.