Maersk Partners with L&T for First Ship Drydocking in India
Maersk will undertake its first planned ship drydocking in India when the Singapore-flagged container vessel Maersk Chattogram arrives at L&T Shipbuilding’s Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai on 20 October 2026, subject to operational and weather conditions.
The operation marks the first practical step under the Maersk–L&T maritime partnership, established through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during India Maritime Week 2025. The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in shipbuilding, ship repair and technical knowledge exchange.
Planned Maintenance and Special Survey
The Maersk Chattogram will undergo a comprehensive 10-year planned maintenance programme as part of its normal vessel lifecycle. The work includes a scheduled special survey and maintenance and overhaul of the vessel’s hull, structure, machinery, equipment and propulsion systems.
Drydocking allows specialists to inspect and repair parts of a ship that normally remain underwater. The process is essential for maintaining vessel safety, seaworthiness and operational reliability. According to the announcement, the maintenance programme is intended to support the vessel’s reliability for the next five years.
Kattupalli Shipyard to Use Shiplift System
The vessel will be lifted out of the water using the shiplift system at L&T Shipbuilding’s Kattupalli facility, described in the announcement as India’s largest. The operation will provide access to the underwater hull for inspection and maintenance.
The work will cover the vessel’s structural components and relevant machinery and propulsion systems as part of the scheduled maintenance programme.
Industry Significance
The drydocking marks the first operational milestone under the Maersk–L&T agreement. It brings together Maersk’s technical requirements and L&T’s ship repair facilities for a scheduled container vessel maintenance operation.
The project also provides an opportunity for technical cooperation between the shipping company and the shipyard. Its immediate focus remains the vessel’s scheduled special survey, inspection and overhaul work.
Maersk has stated that it sees potential for India to become a more significant global maritime hub and intends to support this development through long-term partnerships, operational experience and knowledge sharing.
