Maersk and L&T advance ship repair partnership in India
A.P. Moller – Maersk is preparing to undertake its first planned drydocking in India through a partnership with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), with the container vessel Maersk Chattogram scheduled to enter Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai in October 2026.
The Singapore-flagged vessel is expected to arrive at the shipyard on 20 October, subject to operational and weather conditions. The project represents the first operational milestone under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Maersk and L&T during India Maritime Week 2025.
The agreement established a framework for cooperation in shipbuilding, ship repair and knowledge exchange, with the objective of developing maritime capabilities and technical expertise in India.
Maersk Chattogram scheduled for maintenance
The planned drydocking will include the vessel’s scheduled special survey, together with maintenance and overhaul work covering its hull, structure, machinery, equipment and propulsion systems.
The operation will use L&T Shipbuilding’s Shiplift system at Kattupalli, described by the companies as the largest of its kind in India, to lift the vessel out of the water. This will allow inspections and maintenance of areas normally submerged during vessel operations.
Drydocking is part of a vessel’s regular maintenance cycle and supports compliance with safety requirements, seaworthiness and operational reliability.
The project is expected to involve Maersk’s fleet and technical teams alongside L&T personnel, Indian subcontractors, equipment suppliers and maritime service providers.
Partnership moves into operational phase
The planned docking follows the cooperation agreement established in 2025 and represents a practical application of the companies’ maritime partnership.
Dinesh Kumar Balraj, Head of Fleet Operations East at A.P. Moller – Maersk, said the project would combine Maersk’s technical requirements with India’s developing shipyard and maritime-service capabilities.
He also highlighted the potential for India to strengthen its position in the international maritime sector through long-term partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Arun Ramchandani, Head of Precision Engineering & Systems at L&T, said the project advances the companies’ strategic cooperation and supports efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capabilities and supply chains.
The partners intend to focus on operational safety, maintenance quality and technical knowledge sharing throughout the docking process.
The planned maintenance of Maersk Chattogram marks the transition from an exploratory cooperation framework to a specific ship repair project, as Maersk and L&T develop their maritime collaboration in India.
