**Executive Summary**
On 02 April 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) signed a Plan of Implementation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to enhance skill development in India’s shipbuilding sector. The project aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to build a future-ready maritime workforce through research, workforce mapping, and international collaboration. Key upcoming actions include the establishment of a specialized technology cooperation center and the conduct of bilateral workshops.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Strategic Collaboration and Research**
* **Partnership Framework:** MoPSW and KOICA, supported by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training, will collaborate to strengthen India’s maritime industrial competitiveness.
* **Analytical Foundations:** The project involves comprehensive research into India's shipbuilding and marine engineering industries, focusing on workforce mapping and skill gap assessments.
* **Strategic Roadmap:** The initiative will produce a robust master plan and an actionable roadmap for human resource development to position India as a global shipbuilding hub.
**Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building**
* **Bilateral Workshops:** A series of workshops will be held in both India and the Republic of Korea to facilitate the exchange of best practices among policymakers, academic experts, and industry leaders.
* **Technological Leverage:** The collaboration seeks to utilize the Republic of Korea’s globally recognized technological expertise to enhance India's institutional capacity.
**Infrastructure and Vocational Training**
* **Cooperation Center:** Discussions are in the final stages to establish a ‘Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center’ in India.
* **Targeted Training:** The proposed center will deliver industry-oriented vocational training and advanced skill development programs to improve productivity and technical competencies.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Maritime Workforce and Youth**
**Impact**
The workforce will gain access to high-quality employment opportunities and advanced, technologically empowered training tailored to a rapidly evolving global maritime landscape.
**Action Required**
Prospective professionals and youth should engage with the structured training programs and vocational initiatives once the development center and roadmaps are operational.
**Indian Shipbuilding and Marine Industry**
**Impact**
The sector will benefit from increased productivity, improved global competitiveness, and a steady supply of highly skilled maritime professionals.
**Action Required**
Industry leaders and stakeholders must participate in bilateral workshops to exchange best practices and align their operational needs with the project’s development strategies.
**Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and KOICA**
**Impact**
Both organizations will strengthen their institutional capacity and international cooperation while working toward the strategic goals of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
**Action Required**
The entities must finalize the establishment of the 'Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center' and implement the comprehensive human resource master plan.
Key Entities Referenced
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: The overarching strategic roadmap for India’s maritime sector that guides the goals for building a future-ready shipbuilding ecosystem.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW): The primary Indian government ministry responsible for signing and implementing the skill development plan in the shipbuilding sector.
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA): The international agency partnering with India to provide technical expertise, research, and workforce mapping for the shipbuilding and marine engineering industries.
Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center: A proposed vocational training and technology center to be established in India to enhance technical competencies and productivity in the shipbuilding sector.
Sarbananda Sonowal: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways who oversaw the signing of the implementation plan.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
MoPSW Signs Implementation Plan with KOICA
to Boost Skill Development in India’s
Shipbuilding Sector
India–Korea Collaboration to Strengthen Maritime Workforce
and Industrial Competitiveness
Towards Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Building a Future-
Ready Shipbuilding Ecosystem
Posted On: 03 APR 2026 2:22PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s maritime capabilities, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping
and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, has signed a Plan of Implementation with the Korea
International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on 02 April 2026 for a landmark project on skill
development in the Indian shipbuilding sector.
Aligned with the ambitious goals outlined under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the project titled
‘Support the Establishment of Development Strategies and to Build a Foundation for Skilled and
Professional Talents for the Indian Shipbuilding and Marine Sector’ aims to position shipbuilding as a
strategically vital sector for India’s economic growth and global maritime standing.
Under this collaboration, KOICA, with the support of the Korea Research Institute for Vocational
Education and Training and other stakeholders, will undertake comprehensive research on India’s
shipbuilding and marine engineering industries. The initiative will focus on workforce mapping, skill gap
assessment, and the development of a robust master plan and actionable roadmap for human resource
development in the sector.
Speaking on this, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda
Sonowal said, “This partnership marks a defining moment in India’s maritime journey, as we move
towards building a future-ready, globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem. Under the visionary
leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is transforming its maritime sector into a key
driver of economic growth and strategic strength. This collaboration is about creating a robust foundation
for a new generation of highly skilled, technologically empowered maritime professionals who will power
India’s rise as a global shipbuilding hub. By leveraging the Republic of Korea’s advanced expertise and
aligning it with our national priorities under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, we are ensuring that our
workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global maritime landscape. This
initiative will strengthen institutional capacity, foster innovation, and generate high-quality employment
opportunities, particularly for our youth. It reaffirms our commitment to building an Atmanirbhar
maritime sector that is resilient, future-oriented and globally respected.”As part of the project, a series of bilateral workshops on workforce development are planned to be
conducted in both India and the Republic of Korea. These workshops will bring together key stakeholders,
industry leaders, policymakers, and academic experts to exchange best practices and foster deeper
cooperation.
The collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of India’s shipbuilding and
marine sectors by leveraging Korea’s globally recognised technological expertise and experience. It will
facilitate workforce analysis, enhance institutional capacity, and support the formulation of structured
training programs aimed at developing a highly skilled and future-ready maritime workforce.
Further strengthening this partnership, discussions between MoPSW and KOICA are in the final stages for
the establishment of a ‘Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center’ in
India. The proposed centre will focus on delivering industry-oriented vocational training, enhancing
technical competencies, and improving productivity through advanced skill development programs
tailored to the needs of the shipbuilding ecosystem.
This initiative marks a major milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global hub for shipbuilding
and maritime services, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to capacity building, international
collaboration, and sustainable maritime growth.
***
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