The Andhra Pradesh government has given the green light to a proposal by Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd to set up what is being described as India’s first purpose-built autonomous maritime shipyard and systems development facility in Nellore district.
Planned at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, the project is intended to anchor Andhra Pradesh’s ambitions to emerge as a center for advanced maritime, defence and autonomous systems manufacturing. According to an official statement issued on Sunday, the facility will be dedicated exclusively to the design, construction and testing of unmanned and autonomous maritime platforms.
The proposed shipyard will focus on autonomous surface vessels, underwater systems, and integrated intelligent maritime solutions, including command, control and mission-management technologies. By concentrating on next-generation platforms, the project aims to support both civilian and defense applications in the maritime domain.
The investment is expected to create approximately 750 jobs, comprising around 300 direct positions and 450 indirect employment opportunities. Officials said the project will also contribute to building a skilled coastal industrial ecosystem by fostering specialized capabilities in autonomous systems and advanced shipbuilding.
To support the development, the state has approved the lease of more than 29 acres of land through the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board. This includes nearly seven acres of waterfront and about 22 acres within the harbour area, ensuring direct access to the sea for vessel construction, launch and trials.
As per the project timeline cleared by the government, construction of the shipyard is scheduled to commence in December 2025. Installation of machinery is expected to be completed by June 2026, followed by trial production in October 2026. Commercial operations are planned to begin the following month.
The government has instructed the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board and other relevant departments to extend full support for the timely execution of the project, underlining the state’s push to attract high-technology investments and expand its footprint in defence and maritime manufacturing.
