HD Hyundai and Indian officials have discussed the proposed Thoothukudi shipyard, with a joint working group set to coordinate development and a detailed project report expected to be completed within six months, according to DD India.
Chairman Kisun Chung met India’s ports, shipping and waterways minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, on 28 October 2026 in Seoul. HD Hyundai said in a social media post that the discussions addressed shipbuilding cooperation and possible involvement in a Tamil Nadu shipyard.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) restated its interest in becoming a principal strategic investor. The partners still need to settle the joint venture arrangements, investment terms and ownership shares, with participation dependent on due diligence and the required approvals.
Sonowal referred to an envisaged investment of $4 billion. Planned annual output is approximately 2.5 million gross tonnage, a figure that must be validated in the detailed project report. That report will also define the vessel types, facilities, costs and implementation timetable for the development.
National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu Limited (NSHIP-TN) is to help secure waterfront land, utilities and infrastructure, and coordinate approvals. Preparations include assessments of the site and initial studies of dredging and reclamation requirements. The partners also intend to explore workforce training and technology transfer.
According to HD Hyundai, the Indian delegation visited the group’s Global R&D Center and the Ulsan shipyard of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Delegates examined smart shipyard technologies and the company’s shipbuilding operations while exploring opportunities for cooperation.
