CHENNAI: Chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday reaffirmed the Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to facilitating the early establishment of HD Hyundai’s mega shipbuilding cluster in Thoothukudi, a project involving an investment of about $4 billion (Rs 38,000 crore) and expected to create around 15,000 direct jobs.A high-level delegation from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, met the chief minister to review the project’s progress and discuss the next steps. The South Korean company has already signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to set up the greenfield shipbuilding facility.According to an official release, the project is expected to spur significant growth in ancillary industries and strengthen the local supply chain, generating a substantial multiplier effect in the region.To support the venture, a special purpose entity, National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Tamil Nadu Ltd (NSHIPTN), has been formed jointly by SIPCOT and the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority. The project has also secured first in-principle approval from the Directorate General of Shipping.The delegation, led by Young Hoon Kwon, director of global business at HD KSOE, conveyed the company’s interest in commencing the project at the earliest. Vijay assured the delegation of proactive institutional support at every stage and stressed the state’s commitment to ensuring timely implementation.The meeting was attended by industries minister Selvi S Keerthana, chief secretary M Saikumar, additional chief secretary (industries) S Vijayakumar, SIPCOT managing director SA Raman, Guidance Tamil Nadu managing director Deepak Jacob, and other senior officials. HD KSOE representatives, including team leader Sunjoon Hong and senior manager Hongcheol Kim, were also present.The project is expected to strengthen southern Tamil Nadu’s maritime and industrial ecosystem and position Thoothukudi as a major shipbuilding and heavy industries hub.(With agency inputs)
