India is set to take a major step in maritime technology and defence manufacturing with the development of the world’s first autonomous maritime shipbuilding and systems centre near Juvvaladinne fishing harbour in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district.
The facility will be established by Sagar Defence Engineering with support from the Andhra Pradesh government. The proposed centre will be located in Bogole mandal along the Bay of Bengal, positioned close to key maritime routes on India’s eastern coast.
The project aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in autonomous maritime technologies, shipbuilding and unmanned systems while also supporting regional economic development.
In Phase I, the centre will be developed across 29.58 acres. The campus will integrate autonomous shipbuilding, testing infrastructure, a research and development centre, a ship maintenance and repair facility (MRO), and a specialised training hub.
The facility will focus on designing and manufacturing autonomous vessels for defence, commercial and coastal operations. It will also promote innovation in maritime robotics, artificial intelligence and electric propulsion technologies.
Saurabh Patil, Director (R&D) at the centre, said the facility will develop Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for missions such as maritime surveillance, coastal security, logistics operations and environmental monitoring.
The centre will also work on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for underwater reconnaissance, seabed mapping and scientific research.
Advanced infrastructure will be created for modular shipbuilding, sensor integration, navigation systems and remote-control technologies. Real-sea trials will take place in nearby coastal waters to test autonomous capabilities such as docking, navigation and obstacle avoidance.
A dedicated ship maintenance, repair and overhaul facility will provide lifecycle support for autonomous vessels as well as fishing and commercial ships, including those used by the Coastguard and Navy.
The initiative is also expected to benefit the local fishing community by enabling faster repairs, improving vessel safety and reducing operational downtime.
The centre will house research laboratories and simulation-based training facilities to build skilled manpower in autonomous vessel operations, maritime artificial intelligence and advanced marine systems.
Partnerships with universities and technology companies are planned to accelerate research and innovation in the sector.
The project is expected to generate more than 300 direct jobs locally and create many more indirect employment opportunities. Roles will include engineers, naval architects, technicians, skilled workers and administrative staff, while also boosting logistics services, harbour activities and related industries.
Officials say the centre will position Andhra Pradesh as a major hub for maritime innovation and advanced shipbuilding.
Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district collector Himanshu Shukla said the project will strengthen India’s ambition to emerge as a leading maritime power. He also credited education minister Nara Lokesh for efforts to bring the project to the state.
The minister is expected to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of the project on March 12 at Juvvaladinne.
Key focus areas of the centre
- Build and test next-generation autonomous maritime vessels
- Develop Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs)
- Develop Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
- AI-powered navigation systems
- Maritime sensors and communication networks
- Autonomous command-and-control platforms
Strategic importance
- Strengthens coastal surveillance and maritime security
- Supports defence reconnaissance and mine detection
- Boosts India’s indigenous defence manufacturing
Benefits for fishermen
- Real-time fish location maps
- Satellite weather alerts
- Fleet coordination systems
- Illegal fishing detection
- Distress signal detection and rescue support
Advanced technologies involved
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Robotics-based manufacturing
- Digital Twin technology
- Smart shipyard management systems
- 3D printing for marine components
- Automated docking, launch and recovery systems
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
