Since the Government of Tamil Nadu signed an MoU with HD KSOE for its first shipyard in India, the state has been advancing land, technical studies, infrastructure, environmental clearances, Central Government coordination, supplier localisation and skilled manpower development for the project, an official release said.
The first week of September 2026 marked a major step forward on the technical front. VoC Port Authority has issued the work order for the Detailed Feasibility Report (DFR), in consultation with HD KSOE and inception work has now begun at the proposed shipyard site, it added.
In parallel, a request for proposal (RFP) has been floated inviting global consultants to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR), bringing international expertise into the planning of the shipyard and the wider maritime manufacturing ecosystem.
Together, these mark the project’s progression from the MoU stage into detailed technical and project planning.
Engagement between HD KSOE/HD Hyundai and the Tamil Nadu government has continued at the highest levels.
Minister for Industries S. Keerthana visited HD Hyundai’s Ulsan Shipyard in June 2026, and a senior HD KSOE/HD Hyundai delegation met the Chief Minister Vijay on 17 June 2026.
A continuous weekly coordination mechanism with HD KSOE is in place, bringing together Guidance Tamil Nadu, SIPCOT, VoC Port Authority and other stakeholders to track land, technical studies, infrastructure, approvals, localisation and other immediate project requirements, the release said.
This has continued with a 10-day visit by a senior HD KSOE team led by Sunjoon Hong, to Tamil Nadu from 1st to 10th September 2026.
The team carried out a detailed site survey at Thoothukudi and held discussions with the Minister for Industries, the Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), senior officials of the Directorate General of Shipping, and officials from Guidance Tamil Nadu, SIPCOT, VoC Port Authority and Thoothukudi district administration.
The discussions covered incentive structuring, the status of the DPR and the overall project timeline.
The Government Order for the land transfer for the first phase of around 1700 acres has been given to SIPCOT by Government of Tamil Nadu, who will be building the common infrastructure along with VOC Port Authority.
During their meeting with Keerthana in the Secretariat on Wednesday, HD KSOE team assured that they are moving ahead with the project in Thoothukudi, and the Minister assured the company of the State Government’s full support in taking the project forward.
HD KSOE officials expressed gratitude for the support and assistance extended by Government of Tamil Nadu.
After their Tamil Nadu visit, the HD KSOE team met senior officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Thursday on the policy-level support required from the Government of India to take the project forward.
Beyond the shipyard itself, the Tamil Nadu is building the wider industrial ecosystem around it.
Guidance Tamil Nadu is facilitating discussions between HD KSOE and major Indian steel producers on technical requirements and quality validation.
In parallel, a dedicated talent pipeline is being developed with the Tamil Nadu State Skill Development Mission, covering both blue-collar and white-collar roles, including the possibility of training in Korea followed by deployment at the Thoothukudi shipyard.
The Government of Tamil Nadu is strongly working with HD KSOE, the Government of India and all stakeholders to establish Thoothukudi as a global shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing hub. The shipyard is expected to anchor a wider industrial ecosystem in Southern Tamil Nadu, bringing investment, technology transfer, skilled employment, supplier development, localisation and integration into global shipbuilding value chains to the region.