Cochin Shipyard Limited has announced the extension of Chairman & Managing Director Shri Madhu Sankunny Nair's tenure till January 31, 2026. The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, as communicated through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Leadership Continuity

The extension details are outlined in the following table:

The company has confirmed that Shri Madhu Sankunny Nair is not related to any existing Directors and meets all regulatory compliance requirements. He is not debarred from holding directorship by SEBI or any other authority and is not disqualified under Section 164 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Professional Background and Qualifications

Shri Madhu Sankunny Nair brings extensive expertise to his leadership role. He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Naval Architecture and Ship Building from Cochin University of Science & Technology, achieved in first class. His academic credentials are further strengthened by a Masters in Engineering in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Osaka University, Japan.

His international training includes specialized programs at IHI Shipyard in Kure, Japan, and JICA Specialized training at Overseas Vocational Training Centre (OVTA), Tokyo and Osaka International Centre, Osaka, Japan. He also conducted research at the Joining & Welding Research Institute during his Masters program.

Organizational Transformation

Under Nair's leadership since January 2016, Cochin Shipyard Limited has undergone significant transformation. The company evolved from a single unit operation to a comprehensive multi-unit organization comprising seven units spread across South, West & East coasts of India. This expansion includes the main yard for shipbuilding and ship repair, four dedicated ship repair units, and two subsidiaries.

Key achievements during his tenure include:

• Successful Initial Public Offer leading to company listing
• Upgrade to 'Schedule A' CPSE status, the highest categorization for a Central Public Sector Enterprise
• Strategic international collaborations with technology partners
• Securing significant international orders

Recognition and Additional Responsibilities

Nair's contributions to the maritime industry have earned him several prestigious recognitions. Recent accolades include the 2024 Management Leadership Award, Rotary Icon 2023 Award, CUSAT Distinguished Alumni Award 2022, and Samudra Manthan Prof K R Bhandarkar Award 2022, among others.

He holds fellowship memberships with The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, UK (RINA) and Institution of Naval Architects, India. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of both Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited and Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited, the wholly owned subsidiaries of Cochin Shipyard Limited.

With over 37 years of professional experience since joining as Executive Trainee in June 1988, Nair has demonstrated comprehensive expertise across all aspects of shipyard management. His "people first policy" philosophy aims to transform the organization into a knowledge-based enterprise, emphasizing human capital development as a key strategic driver.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) and Cochin Shipyard Ltd have reinforced their strategic partnership in India's ship repair sector, marking a significant milestone with the distribution of ₹5.94 crore in shared profits from their joint venture operations on December 26.

Profit Distribution Ceremony

SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman received the profit share cheque from CSL Chairman and Managing Director Madhu Nair during an official visit to CSL's ship repair facility in Cochin. The ceremony highlighted the successful collaboration between the port authority and the shipyard in developing indigenous ship repair capabilities.

Joint Venture Performance

The financial distribution represents profits generated by the Cochin-Kolkata Ship Repair Unit (CKSRU), the joint venture established between the two entities. The profit-sharing arrangement demonstrates the commercial success of their collaborative approach to ship repair services.

Strategic Significance and Future Plans

Chairman Raman emphasized that the profit distribution underscores both the commercial and strategic potential of indigenous ship repair facilities. He noted how the collaboration between port authorities and shipyards effectively supports the Make in India initiative by strengthening domestic maritime infrastructure capabilities.

SMPK has expressed keen interest in further expanding ship repair activities at Kolkata port, indicating potential growth in their joint operations. The partnership serves as a model for how public sector entities can collaborate to enhance India's maritime service capabilities while generating sustainable profits.

Industry Impact

The successful profit-sharing milestone reflects the growing strength of India's ship repair ecosystem through strategic partnerships. The collaboration between SMPK and CSL demonstrates how port authorities and shipyards can work together to build indigenous capabilities while maintaining commercial viability in the competitive maritime services sector.