Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a high-stakes competition among Indian coastal states, Andhra Pradesh is actively courting South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to establish a shipyard in the state. With Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra also in the fray, Andhra Pradesh is making aggressive moves to secure the investment, aligning with its broader strategy to attract global manufacturing giants like Hyundai and Tesla.

Sources close to the development revealed that HHI representatives visited India earlier this month to assess potential locations for a shipbuilding facility. The company, which holds around 10% of the global shipbuilding market, is keen on expanding its footprint in India to cater to rising local demand. While the delegation explored sites in Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, the state has emerged as a strong contender, leveraging its strategic coastline, robust port infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies.

The Andhra Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has been proactive in promoting the state as an ideal destination for global investors. With a long coastline and well-established ports like Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam, the state presents a compelling case for HHI’s investment. Government officials are in discussions with the South Korean firm, offering incentives and showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s industrial ecosystem to outcompete rival states.

A senior official stated that “Andhra Pradesh has all the key ingredients for a world-class shipbuilding hub, deepwater ports, skilled workforce, and strong policy support. The government is fully committed to facilitating this investment and ensuring that the state becomes a leader in shipbuilding.” Andhra Pradesh’s push to attract HHI aligns with its broader vision of positioning itself as a global manufacturing and industrial hub.

Alongside the shipbuilding sector, the state is also in active talks with Hyundai for new investments and is working aggressively to bring Tesla into its fold. The central government’s push to strengthen domestic shipbuilding, coupled with Andhra Pradesh’s strategic incentives, makes the state a prime contender for HHI’s India expansion. As the competition between states intensifies, Andhra Pradesh remains focused on securing this game-changing investment, reinforcing its ambition to be a leading force in global manufacturing and shipbuilding.