New Delhi: In a major step toward boosting India’s maritime manufacturing capabilities, BEML Limited has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd (KSOE) and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) to jointly design and build next-generation maritime and port crane systems in India.
The partnership, signed under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aims to develop a new generation of conventional and autonomous maritime and port cranes. The scope of collaboration includes design, development, manufacturing, integration, installation, commissioning, and long-term support, along with comprehensive after-sales service, training, and availability of spare parts.
According to BEML, the alliance aligns closely with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which seeks to expand the country’s port handling capacity to 10,000 MMTPA and position India among the world's top five maritime powers. The initiative is expected to reduce import dependence in a strategic high-technology sector, strengthen indigenous capabilities, and accelerate the modernisation of port operations and maritime infrastructure.
By leveraging BEML’s industrial scale and engineering expertise alongside KSOE and HSHI’s advanced global capabilities, the collaboration aims to support the development of high-capacity, energy-efficient, smart crane systems tailored for port expansion, shipyard automation, and next-generation cargo handling. It is also expected to boost private sector participation and generate high-value direct and indirect employment.
The MoU was formalised at BEML’s headquarters in Bengaluru in the presence of BEML's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Shantanu Roy; senior officials from HD KSOE, including Han Nae Choi, Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning Division, and Young Hoon Kwon, Director of Global Business; and from HD Samho, including Jong Ho Park, Head of Crane and Industrial Plant Department. The agreement has been signed by Cmde R.G.K. Rao, Head (Maritime Strategic Business Unit) of BEML, and representatives of KSOE and HSHI.
BEML's Maritime Strategic Business Unit has been actively contributing to national maritime goals through indigenous solutions for shipbuilding support systems, port modernisation, dredging, cargo and material handling, and specialised marine engineering. With a strong industrial footprint and decades of proven engineering expertise, the company said it remains committed to enabling self-reliance in critical maritime technologies.
KSOE, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, will bring its extensive experience in commercial and naval vessels, offshore structures, and heavy marine engineering to the project. HSHI, known globally for advanced industrial crane design and large-scale automation capabilities, will contribute deep technical insights across manufacturing and systems integration.
The three companies said the joint initiative will help build a future-ready, high-technology maritime crane ecosystem in India, catalysing infrastructure development and supporting the country’s long-term vision for sustainable and globally competitive port and shipyard operations under Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047.
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