Tamil Nadu Minister Keerthana holds talks with Hyundai on her visit to South Korea, expresses commitment to Thoothukudi Shipyard
Seoul, June 9
Tamil Nadu Industries Minister, Virudhai Magal Keerthana, on Tuesday held talks over areas of cooperation with Hyundai Heavy Industries on her first international visit to South Korea.
During her visit to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan shipyard, the 30-year-old TVK leader expressed commitment towards developing the Thoothukudi Greenfield Shipyard, for which an MoU was signed in April 2026.
In an X post describing her visit, Keerthana said that she toured shipbuilding facilities and observed advanced production systems.
She wrote, "Under the guidance of Hon'ble Chief Minister Thiru C Joseph Vijay, I visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan shipyard in the Republic of Korea, where I toured shipbuilding facilities, observed advanced production systems, and held discussions on potential areas of cooperation. The proposed Thoothukudi Greenfield Shipyard is one of the earliest outcomes of the India-Republic of Korea maritime cooperation framework and reflects the growing strategic partnership between our two countries in the maritime sector. The project is envisaged as a mega greenfield shipyard with the capability to support large commercial vessel segments and strengthen India's long-term shipbuilding capacity."
Noting the significance of the project, she said that Tamil Nadu is well placed to become a leader in the Blue Economy and a major hub for shipbuilding and maritime industries. She added that the project has the "potential to generate large-scale employment, attract global suppliers, strengthen domestic shipbuilding capability, create opportunities for MSMEs and ancillary industries."
Keerthana wrote, "With one of India's longest coastlines and a strong maritime tradition, Tamil Nadu is well placed to become a leader in the Blue Economy and a major hub for shipbuilding and maritime industries. Thoothukudi, with its port-led location and industrial hinterland, offers a strong platform for developing a new maritime manufacturing cluster. Under the leadership of Hon'ble Chief Minister, the Government of Tamil Nadu is committed to realising this potential through a stable, transparent and facilitative business environment."
"The proposed greenfield shipbuilding cluster with HD Hyundai as an anchor player in Thoothukudi is an important project in advancing India's shipbuilding ambitions and Tamil Nadu's vision for maritime growth. HD Hyundai's experience in developing and operating world-class shipyards, building large commercial vessels, and integrating marine engineering and production systems will be valuable as Tamil Nadu works to create a globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem. This project has the potential to generate large-scale employment, attract global suppliers, strengthen domestic shipbuilding capability, create opportunities for MSMEs and ancillary industries, and position Tamil Nadu as a major contributor to India's maritime and Blue Economy ambitions," the TVK MLA added.
According to the Shipping Ministry, a tripartite MoU was signed on April 20 between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd. (HD KSOE), National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu Limited (NSHIP-TN), and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) for the development of India's first Mega Greenfield Shipyard at Thoothukudi.
The agreement emerged under the India-ROK Comprehensive Framework 'VOYAGES' (Shared Vision for Operation of Yard Assisted Growth with Efficiency and Scale) for Partnership in Shipbuilding, Shipping and Maritime Logistics, launched following the meeting between Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lee Jae Myung during his visit to India.
The mega shipyard at Thoothukudi has an envisaged annual capacity of 2.5 million gross tons (GT). The project is expected to generate approximately 15,000 direct jobs upon stabilisation of operations, the ministry stated.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive that a 30-year-old minister is leading these international trade talks. Keerthana seems quite proactive - visiting Hyundai's shipyard in person shows commitment. But I hope the MoU signed in April doesn't just remain on paper. We've seen many big announcements fizzle out. Let's see actual ground-breaking and construction before celebrating too much.
As someone who works in maritime logistics, this is genuinely exciting. India's shipbuilding capacity has lagged behind China and South Korea for decades. Thoothukudi is strategically located near major shipping routes. If Tamil Nadu can pull this off with Hyundai's technology transfer, it could reduce our dependence on foreign-built vessels for coastal shipping and even defense purposes. Smart move by the CM.
Arrey, good initiative but what about the local fishermen whose livelihoods might be affected? Thoothukudi coast has traditional fishing communities. The government should ensure proper rehabilitation and environmental impact assessment before starting construction. Development is important, but not at the cost of our coastal ecology and local communities' rights.
Love seeing women leaders take charge of industrial development! Keerthana ji's visit to South Korea shows Tamil Nadu means business. The 'VOYAGES' framework with Korea could be a blueprint for future partnerships. Just hope the project doesn't get delayed in bureaucratic red tape like so many others. 2.5 million gross tons capacity is no joke - this will put Thoothukudi on the global shipbuilding map. 💪
Interesting to see state-level diplomacy in action.
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