Tamil Nadu Industries Minister V Keerthana (centre) at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries facility.

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister V Keerthana has begun her first official overseas visit with a tour of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ facilities in South Korea on Tuesday, underlining the State government’s determination to fast-track the Korean shipbuilding giant’s proposed greenfield shipyard project in Thoothukudi.

The visit assumes significance as HD Hyundai and the then DMK-led state government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2025 for establishing a new shipyard in the State. The scope of cooperation was subsequently expanded to include the Government of India earlier this year.

Strong Signal

Guidance Tamil Nadu described the visit as a strong signal of continuity, confidence and commitment to industry from the newly elected State government. The agency said the government remains committed to facilitating the proposed mega shipbuilding project and positioning Tamil Nadu as a leading global investment destination.

HD Hyundai also indicated that the State government is preparing a range of support measures, including assistance for site development, port infrastructure, tax incentives and subsidies for the project. While the investment size has not been officially disclosed, industry sources had earlier estimated it at more than $2 billion.

In a social media post, Keerthana said the proposed shipbuilding cluster, with HD Hyundai as the anchor investor, would play a key role in advancing both India’s shipbuilding ambitions and Tamil Nadu’s maritime growth strategy.

She toured the company’s shipbuilding facilities, reviewed advanced production systems and held discussions on potential areas of collaboration. According to the minister, HD Hyundai’s expertise in constructing large commercial vessels and operating world-class shipyards would be invaluable in creating a globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem in Tamil Nadu.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s maritime potential, she said the State’s long coastline, strong industrial base and strategic port infrastructure position it well to emerge as a leader in the blue economy and shipbuilding sector. Thoothukudi, in particular, offers a strong platform for developing a maritime manufacturing cluster due to its port-led advantages and industrial hinterland.

The visit also comes amid growing competition among States to attract large shipbuilding investments.

Public sector shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd recently signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government for a shipyard project, despite having signed a similar agreement with Tamil Nadu in 2025.

While Mazagon Dock officials have maintained that the Tamil Nadu project remains on track, industry sources have expressed concerns that the company could prioritise Andhra Pradesh if progress in Tamil Nadu is delayed.

Against this backdrop, Keerthana’s visit is being viewed as a clear message that the State government is keen to move swiftly on the HD Hyundai project and establish Thoothukudi as a major shipbuilding hub.

Published on June 9, 2026