Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has entered into an agreement with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to commence operations at the Marine Dockyard in Port Blair, a facility that is currently operated directly by the A&N Administration. Under the agreement, CSL would assist the administration to set up a ship repair ecosystem in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, associate in the augmentation and modernisation of the facility, and also focus efforts towards skill development in the islands.
The agreement is for 30 years, during which CSL is expected to spruce up the operational efficiency of the dockyard as well as improve the overall ship repair ecosystem on the island, to ensure faster turnaround and minimise the downtime of vessels, which are the lifeline for the islands.