Maersk brings first planned drydocking to India

An SG-flagged container vessel is scheduled for maintenance at L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard.

Maersk will undertake its first planned drydocking in India at Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipbuilding’s Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai, with the Singapore-flagged Maersk Chattogram scheduled for maintenance and a special survey in October.

The vessel is expected to arrive at the shipyard on 20 October, subject to operational and weather conditions.

The work will cover the vessel’s hull and structure, machinery, equipment, and propulsion systems as part of its scheduled maintenance and overhaul.

The vessel will also undergo a specialised lift-out operation using L&T Shipbuilding’s shiplift system, which the company describes as India’s largest.

“We are aligning Maersk's global technical requirements with India's growing shipyard, supplier, and maritime-service capabilities,” said Dinesh Kumar Balraj, Head of Fleet Operations East at A.P. Moller – Maersk.

The drydocking marks the first operational milestone under the memorandum of understanding signed by Maersk and L&T during India Maritime Week 2025.

The agreement established a framework for exploring collaboration in shipbuilding, ship repair, and knowledge exchange on global standards and industry capabilities.

The project will involve Maersk's fleet and technical teams with L&T, Indian subcontractors, suppliers, and maritime service providers.

“Combining Maersk’s global maritime expertise with L&T’s shipbuilding capabilities, we aim to strengthen domestic capabilities and supply chains across the shipbuilding ecosystem,” said Arun Ramchandani, Head of Precision Engineering & Systems at L&T.