VIJAYWADA, Dec 14: In a major milestone for India’s maritime and defence manufacturing ecosystem, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has approved a proposal by Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited to establish India’s first dedicated Autonomous Maritime Shipyard and Systems Development Centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Bogole Mandal of SPSR Nellore district.
The proposed facility will be developed by Sagar Defence as a specialised shipyard focused exclusively on autonomous and unmanned maritime platforms. It is expected to generate employment for around 750 persons, including 300 direct and 450 indirect jobs, while strengthening the industrial and skills ecosystem in the coastal region of the state.
An autonomous maritime shipyard is an advanced industrial facility designed for the construction, integration, and testing and lifecycle support of unmanned and autonomous surface and underwater vessels, along with intelligent maritime systems, sensors and command-and-control technologies. The proposed shipyard at Juvvaladinne will support India’s growing focus on indigenous defence technologies and maritime self-reliance.
An official release here on Sunday said that the Government has approved the allotment of 29.58 acres of land at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour to the project on a lease basis through the AP Maritime Board. The land parcel includes 7.58 acres of waterfront land and 22.00 acres of harbour land, providing direct sea access essential for shipbuilding, systems testing and deployment of autonomous maritime platforms.
As per the approved timelines, construction of the shipyard is scheduled to commence in December 2025, with machinery installation to be completed by June 2026. Trial production is planned for October 2026, followed by commencement of commercial operations in November 2026. The project will be supported through coordinated infrastructure provisioning by the concerned departments of the State Government.
Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited is a leading Indian defence and maritime technology company. The proposal was examined by the State Investment Promotion Committee (SIPC) and approved by the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) in its meeting held on December 4, 2025.
The Government has directed the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, along with the Fisheries, Water Resources and Energy Departments, to take necessary action to facilitate timely execution of the project.
The approval reinforces Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to enabling high-technology investments and emerging as a preferred hub for advanced maritime manufacturing, autonomous systems and defence-linked innovation, the release added.
(UNI)
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