The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Hindalco Industries, a
leading industry group, have joined forces to promote the manufacturing and
supply of indigenous marine-grade aluminium for the
construction of ships. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU), aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in the
shipbuilding sector.
The ICG fleet currently operates 67 ships with aluminium hulls, designed for
operations in shallow waters. To further bolster coastal security,
the Coast Guard has planned to induct more such vessels, and the indigenously
manufactured marine-grade aluminium will be utilized in their construction.
Under the terms of the MoU, Hindalco Industries will manufacture and
supply marine-grade aluminium to Indian public and private shipyards for
shipbuilding purposes. The agreement also offers several benefits, including:
Quarterly pricing: Facilitating better planning and cost management for shipyards. Priority
in supplies: Ensuring timely delivery of aluminium for construction
projects. Turnover discount: Incentivizing the use of indigenous
marine-grade aluminium.
The collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard
and Hindalco Industries aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance and the ‘Make in India’ initiative. By
leveraging domestically produced marine-grade aluminium, the shipbuilding
industry can reduce its dependence on imports and contribute to the growth of
the domestic manufacturing sector.
The addition of more aluminium-hulled vessels to
the ICG fleet will significantly enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to patrol
and secure India’s vast coastline effectively. These vessels’ shallow draft
capabilities make them ideal for operations in coastal areas, estuaries, and inland
waterways, bolstering the nation’s maritime security.
The MoU between the Indian Coast Guard and Hindalco
Industries exemplifies the importance of industry-government collaborations in
fostering self-reliance and technological advancements. Such partnerships not only support indigenous manufacturing but also
contribute to the broader goal of enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and
coastal security infrastructure.