THE WEEK Maritime Conclave 2024: Andhra Pradesh aims to become major shipbuilding hub; works on to develop 4 new ports

Andhra Pradesh attempts to be a major hub of shipbuilding, according to the presentation given by Auszad Shaik, chief general manager of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board at THE WEEK maritime conclave. Shaik said that the state is identifying some potential locations for shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship recycling. “We are also inviting the potential investors to come and just explore and see what is the best suitable area for setting up a shipbuilding facility,” he said. 

Shaikh noted that Andhra Pradesh is developing four new ports to meet growing capacity needs. Andhra Pradesh is notably the only state in India through which three industrial corridors are passing and Shaikh said that the state is working with the mission of adjoining the industrial corridors with their existing ports and also the upcoming ports. 

Additionally, Andhra Pradesh is capitalizing on the tourism potential of our coastline, with plans to develop lighthouse tourism, beach tourism, heritage circuits, and eco-tourism options. “We aim to contribute meaningfully to India’s goal of a $5 trillion economy by 2047, targeting a 15 per cent annual growth rate and aligning with the Swarnandhra 2047 vision for regional development,” said the representative of the AP maritime board. 

Aiming for a collaborative approach, Shaikh observed that Andhra Pradesh is implementing a robust PPP model to attract global investors. “While we leverage assistance from the central government, our chief minister is focused on building a thriving economy post-bifurcation, following models of success in Hyderabad,” he said while adding that the state’s comprehensive maritime policy is crafted with investor-friendly provisions, developed from extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, to support growth across 12 key economic themes.