Two shipyards of international standards are being planned in the country. When finished, they will have the capability to build vessels in excess of 3 lakh dead weight tonne. At a cost of Rs 3,000 crore each, the intention to build these shipyards will be formally flagged off next fortnight when the expressions of interest (EoI) from potential contractors will be invited.
One yard will located on the west coast and the other on the east coast of the country. For the yard on the western coast, the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has been asked to manage the EoI. As for the eastern front, the Ennore Port has been given the charge. To be built in phases, the yards will be operational in three years from the time the contract is awarded. Each yard will be spread over four to five million square metres.