subject: Shipbuilding In Visakhapatnam [print this page] Andra Pradesh, which is located on the south eastern coast of Indian subcontinent, has historically been associated with seafaring and other marine activities. The area was home to an ancient port town, which once saw the arrival of ships from the worlds oldest kingdoms. In addition, the thriving spice trade in this part of India made it a compulsory port of call for traders on the old Silk Route. Thus, it is apparent that Visakhapatnam has a long history of people associated with sea faring.
It is therefore apt that one of modern Indias first ever shipyards be located in this city. Hindustan Shipyard, or as it was known previously SC India Shipyard, is a venture that is fully owned and controlled by the Indian Government. When the shipyard was commissioned in the year 1941, analysts termed it as the zero year, or the year of inception of the Indian shipbuilding industry. Initially the shipyard started building steam-driven ships that were used for goods and passenger transport in the region.
In the 1960s, as with many other Indian industries, SCIndia too was nationalized and rechristened Hindustan Shipyard. This takeover saw a new age being ushered in to the ship-building industry at Visakhapatnam. Today, the shipyard successfully manages clients from both the mercantile and Naval Defense fields, with particular expertise in the areas of ship repair and submarine refitting.
The Hindustan Shipyard in Visakhapatnam is also the exclusive service provider to the Arihant- a nuclear submarine that belongs to the Indian Navy. Following its humble beginnings, the shipyard has been transformed into a world class facility that contributes to the local and national economy. It is located close to the picturesque port within proximity to many Visakhapatnam hotels, such as the
