A.P. Moller-Maersk has commenced its first planned drydocking project in India, marking a notable step in the global shipping group's growing engagement with the country's maritime sector.

The Singapore-flagged container vessel Maersk Chattogram has entered L&T Shipbuilding's Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai, with officials confirming the vessel's arrival. The drydocking operation represents a significant operational development for both companies.

The project is the first tangible outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Maersk and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) during India Maritime Week 2025. The agreement was designed to explore cooperation in shipbuilding, ship repair and the exchange of expertise on global standards, while helping develop world-class maritime capabilities, capacity and resources in India.

As part of the vessel's regular maintenance cycle, the drydocking will include its scheduled special survey together with extensive maintenance and overhaul activities. The work will cover the vessel's hull and structural components, machinery, equipment and propulsion systems.

Drydocking is a critical process in the lifecycle of a vessel, allowing inspection, maintenance and repairs to sections that are normally below the waterline. The procedure is essential for ensuring safety, seaworthiness, operational efficiency and long-term reliability.

The Maersk Chattogram will also undergo a specialised lift-out operation using L&T's Kattupalli facility, which features India's largest ship-lift system. The operation will enable engineers and technical teams to conduct comprehensive inspections and maintenance work while the vessel is out of the water.

Highlighting the importance of the project, Dinesh Kumar Balraj, Head of Fleet Operations East at A.P. Moller-Maersk, said: "The drydocking of Maersk Chattogram in India is a meaningful step towards turning our collaboration with L&T into action. We are aligning Maersk's global technical requirements with India's growing shipyard, supplier and maritime-service capabilities."

He added: "We believe India has strong potential to become an increasingly important global hub for maritime sector and we are committed to supporting that development through long-term partnerships, operational experience and knowledge sharing."

The initiative also brings together Maersk's fleet and technical teams, L&T's shipbuilding expertise, Indian subcontractors, suppliers and maritime service providers, supporting the broader development of India's ship repair ecosystem.

The drydocking program is expected to strengthen confidence in India's shipyard capabilities and reinforce the country's ambitions of becoming a globally competitive maritime hub, while deepening the strategic partnership between Maersk and L&T.

Agencies