Larsen & Toubro (L&T) will execute the first scheduled drydocking for A.P. Moller - Maersk in India. The Hindu BusinessLine reported that the Singapore-flagged container ship Maersk Chattogram is set to enter the Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai. The vessel is anticipated to arrive on October 20, contingent on weather and operational factors. This engagement serves as the initial practical outcome of a Memorandum of Understanding finalized during India Maritime Week 2025. The agreement created a structure for joint efforts in shipbuilding, repair, and knowledge transfer.
The maintenance cycle addresses the vessel’s standard lifecycle requirements. It encompasses a special survey and comprehensive overhauls of the hull, structural components, and propulsion machinery. According to The Hindu BusinessLine, drydocking allows for detailed inspection of submerged areas. This process ensures the ship remains safe and operationally reliable for the next five years. The vessel will be raised from the water using a Shiplift system, described as the largest in India, located at the L&T facility.
Dinesh Kumar Balraj, who heads fleet operations in East Asia for Maersk, described the move as a significant step toward activating the partnership. He stated the company is matching its global technical standards with India’s expanding maritime service infrastructure. Balraj expressed confidence that India could evolve into a major global maritime hub through sustained cooperation and shared operational experience.
Arun Ramchandani, leading precision engineering at L&T, noted that the docking strengthens the strategic alliance between the two organizations. He explained that merging Maersk’s international expertise with L&T’s domestic construction skills aims to bolster local supply chains. Both parties intend to support India’s maritime development by enhancing competitive capabilities within the shipbuilding ecosystem.
The project will integrate Maersk’s technical staff with L&T personnel and various Indian subcontractors. The Hindu BusinessLine indicated that the teams will prioritize efficient execution and quality control. They will also share operational insights throughout the duration of the docking process.