<p>Mumbai: In a significant development in defence sector, India’s premier defence public sector shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) of Mumbai is acquiring a controlling stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), the largest shipbuilding and repair company of Sri Lanka. </p><p>This proposed acquisition marks MDL’s first international venture and is a major milestone in the company’s transformation from a purely domestic shipbuilder into a regional maritime player with global aspirations.</p><p>The investment, valued at up to $52.96 million, will be carried out through a combination of primary infusion and secondary share purchase, including the acquisition of shares from Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd of Japan, the current majority shareholder. </p><p>Upon completion, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, CDPLC will become a subsidiary of MDL.</p><p>Strategically located within the Port of Colombo, CDPLC offers MDL a strong operational foothold in the Indian Ocean Region—one of the busiest and most geopolitically significant maritime corridors in the world. With this acquisition, MDL positions itself not only to strengthen its presence in the region but also to enhance its competitiveness in the global shipbuilding and marine engineering arena.</p><p>Colombo Dockyard PLC brings to MDL more than five decades of experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, and heavy engineering. The company has a track record of delivering complex offshore support vessels, cable-laying ships, tankers, and patrol boats for clients across Japan, Norway, France, UAE, India, and several African nations. </p><p>It is the only shipyard in Sri Lanka offering an integrated portfolio of services—ranging from in-house design and construction to advanced repair and marine steel fabrication. </p><p>CDPLC operates four drydocks and multiple berths capable of handling vessels up to 125,000 DWT and maintains compliance with ISO and classification standards such as DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and IRS.</p><p>“This is not just an acquisition – it is a gateway. It marks our first international foray and reflects our ambition to transform into a global shipbuilding enterprise. With CDPLC’s strategic location, proven capabilities, and strong regional presence, this step will position MDL as a key player in South Asia and lay the foundation for our emergence as a global shipyard,” said Capt Jagmohan, Chairman and Managing Director, MDL.</p><p>In addition to its technical strengths, CDPLC is actively pursuing a pipeline of orders exceeding $300 million, which includes cable laying ships, multi-purpose utility ships, and newbuild fleet support vessels. </p><p>With MDL’s support—particularly in technology sharing, access to Indian supply chains, and entry into Indian and allied maritime markets—CDPLC is well positioned for financial turnaround and long-term growth.</p>
<p>Mumbai: In a significant development in defence sector, India’s premier defence public sector shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) of Mumbai is acquiring a controlling stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), the largest shipbuilding and repair company of Sri Lanka. </p><p>This proposed acquisition marks MDL’s first international venture and is a major milestone in the company’s transformation from a purely domestic shipbuilder into a regional maritime player with global aspirations.</p><p>The investment, valued at up to $52.96 million, will be carried out through a combination of primary infusion and secondary share purchase, including the acquisition of shares from Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd of Japan, the current majority shareholder. </p><p>Upon completion, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, CDPLC will become a subsidiary of MDL.</p><p>Strategically located within the Port of Colombo, CDPLC offers MDL a strong operational foothold in the Indian Ocean Region—one of the busiest and most geopolitically significant maritime corridors in the world. With this acquisition, MDL positions itself not only to strengthen its presence in the region but also to enhance its competitiveness in the global shipbuilding and marine engineering arena.</p><p>Colombo Dockyard PLC brings to MDL more than five decades of experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, and heavy engineering. The company has a track record of delivering complex offshore support vessels, cable-laying ships, tankers, and patrol boats for clients across Japan, Norway, France, UAE, India, and several African nations. </p><p>It is the only shipyard in Sri Lanka offering an integrated portfolio of services—ranging from in-house design and construction to advanced repair and marine steel fabrication. </p><p>CDPLC operates four drydocks and multiple berths capable of handling vessels up to 125,000 DWT and maintains compliance with ISO and classification standards such as DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and IRS.</p><p>“This is not just an acquisition – it is a gateway. It marks our first international foray and reflects our ambition to transform into a global shipbuilding enterprise. With CDPLC’s strategic location, proven capabilities, and strong regional presence, this step will position MDL as a key player in South Asia and lay the foundation for our emergence as a global shipyard,” said Capt Jagmohan, Chairman and Managing Director, MDL.</p><p>In addition to its technical strengths, CDPLC is actively pursuing a pipeline of orders exceeding $300 million, which includes cable laying ships, multi-purpose utility ships, and newbuild fleet support vessels. </p><p>With MDL’s support—particularly in technology sharing, access to Indian supply chains, and entry into Indian and allied maritime markets—CDPLC is well positioned for financial turnaround and long-term growth.</p>