Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a prominent player in India's shipbuilding and ship repair industry, has announced a significant change in its board composition. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has appointed Shri Venkatesapathy S IAS as a Part-time Official (Nominee) Director on the company's Board of Directors, effective August 07, 2025.

New Appointment Details

Shri Venkatesapathy S IAS, currently serving as Joint Secretary in the MoPSW, replaces Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha IAS, who was the Additional Secretary at MoPSW. The change comes as part of the government's directive, and Shri Venkatesapathy will hold the position until further orders.

About Shri Venkatesapathy S IAS

Shri Venkatesapathy brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Cochin Shipyard:

• He is a 2009-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Kerala cadre.
• Holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Production Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University.
• Has an impressive track record in various administrative positions, including:
  • District Collector in Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram
  • Managing Director of Kerala Water Authority
  • Director in the Fisheries Department
  • Sub Collector in Idukki, Devikulam, and Kasargod
  • Secretary in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
  • Managing Director of Supplyco

Additional Directorships

In addition to his new role at Cochin Shipyard, Shri Venkatesapathy serves as a Government Nominee Director in several other significant entities:

• Shipping Corporation of India Limited
• Shipping Corporation of India Land and Assets Limited
• Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited

Compliance and Governance

Cochin Shipyard has confirmed that Shri Venkatesapathy S IAS is not related to any existing Directors of the company. Furthermore, he has not been debarred from holding the office of Director by SEBI or any other authority and is not disqualified under Section 164 of the Companies Act, 2013.

This appointment underscores the government's continued involvement in the strategic direction of Cochin Shipyard, a key player in India's maritime sector. The diverse experience that Shri Venkatesapathy brings to the board is expected to contribute to the company's growth and governance in the coming years.

Cochin Shipyard Limited , a major player in India's shipbuilding industry, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its global presence and technological capabilities. The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, marking the beginning of a promising collaboration in shipbuilding and maritime development.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Collaborative Exploration: The MoU focuses on exploring new shipbuilding opportunities, potentially opening doors to larger and more diverse projects for Cochin Shipyard.
• Technical Expertise Exchange: Both companies will share their technical know-how, which could lead to innovative solutions in shipbuilding and offshore engineering.
• Productivity Enhancement: The partnership aims to boost productivity, likely through the adoption of advanced technologies and efficient processes.

Alignment with National Vision

This strategic alliance aligns perfectly with India's ambitious 'Maritime India Vision 2030', which aims to position the country as a global maritime hub. By partnering with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, a renowned name in the global shipbuilding industry, Cochin Shipyard is poised to contribute significantly to this national objective.

Potential Impact

The collaboration between Cochin Shipyard and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is expected to:

1. Enhance Cochin Shipyard's competitive edge in the global shipbuilding market.
2. Facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development in advanced shipbuilding techniques.
3. Potentially increase India's share in the global shipbuilding industry.
4. Support the growth of ancillary industries and create new job opportunities in the maritime sector.

This partnership represents a strategic move by Cochin Shipyard to strengthen its position in the shipbuilding industry while contributing to India's maritime ambitions. As the collaboration unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of shipbuilding in India and impacts the country's journey towards becoming a global maritime powerhouse.