ENA Sectors 2025-09-10 18:54:23 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Sep 10 (KNN)</strong> Japans shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is looking to collaborate with Indian companies to develop shipbuilding projects, particularly in the tanker segment. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The move is in line with Indias ambition to strengthen its domestic shipbuilding industry and cut its dependence on foreign shipping by one-third by 2047.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Speaking at the APPEC conference in Singapore, MOLs President and CEO Takeshi Hashimoto said the company is open to joint ventures with Indian shipyards and local partners. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He noted that Indias growing trade requirements, particularly in energy imports and refined oil exports, highlight the urgent need to expand the countrys shipping and shipbuilding capacity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To encourage foreign participation, the Indian government is introducing regulatory reforms in the maritime sector. In the Union Budget presented in February, the government also announced the creation of a Rs 250 billion (US $2.84 billion) maritime development fund. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This fund will provide long-term financing support for shipbuilding and ship repair facilities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">MOLs interest reflects broader trends in Indias strategy to position itself as a global manufacturing and maritime hub. By combining domestic capabilities with international expertise, India aims to build modern vessels, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance its competitiveness in global shipping.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For MOL, India presents a significant growth opportunity. Hashimoto emphasised that collaboration will not only help India meet its infrastructure and fleet demands but also allow MOL to expand its presence in one of the worlds fastest-growing economies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The partnership talks underscore the importance of maritime cooperation between India and Japan at a time when global shipping is undergoing rapid transformation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 43456 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/japans-mitsui-osk-lines-explores-shipbuilding-partnerships-in-india 2025-09-10 18:54:23 knnindia.co.in