Indian media reports indicate that a large shipyard will be constructed at the Port of Ponnani in Kerala, India. The project’s bidding process has been completed, with contract signing scheduled to take place within the next two weeks.
The proposed shipyard will be located on the west side of Ponnani fishing port, covering an area of 29 acres, and will be under the jurisdiction of the Kerala Maritime Commission. The total investment for the project is 12 billion rupees (approximately US$132 million). Once the shipyard is operational, it is expected to start port cargo transportation business.
Specifically, Phase I of the project will focus on small vessel construction. During this stage, a wharf will be constructed in the estuary area adjacent to the old Jankal Wharf near the breakwater, with a total investment of 2 billion rupees. Phase II plans to expand the shipyard facilities, enabling the yard to undertake large vessel construction, with a total investment of 10 billion rupees (approximately US$110 million).
The project is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs and will provide alternative facilities for fishermen within the planned shipyard area on the eastern side of the port.
Upon completion, Bonani Port will become Kerala’s second shipbuilding base after Kochi. The entire project will be developed and constructed through a public-private partnership model. A supporting shipbuilding training institution will be launched concurrently.