Maersk’s India Drydock Debut: Why This Vessel Changes the Game
Maersk Chattogram arrives at L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard on 20 October for India’s first Maersk drydocking.
Maersk will conduct its first planned drydocking operation in India later this month, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime sector. The Singapore-flagged container vessel Maersk Chattogram is scheduled to arrive at L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai on 20 October 2026, where it will undergo essential maintenance and inspections.
The drydocking is a routine but critical procedure required every five years to ensure a vessel’s safety, seaworthiness, and operational efficiency. During this process, the ship will be lifted out of the water using India’s largest Shiplift system, allowing engineers to inspect and repair submerged areas of the hull, machinery, propulsion systems, and other structural components. The work will include a scheduled special survey, along with comprehensive overhauls to maintain the vessel’s reliability for its next operational cycle.
Partnership Aims to Strengthen India’s Maritime Capabilities: Maersk
The project stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Maersk and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) during India Maritime Week 2025. The agreement established a framework for collaboration in shipbuilding, ship repair, and the exchange of global standards and technical expertise. This drydocking represents the first concrete step in turning that partnership into action.
A.P. Møller-Maersk
Dinesh Kumar Balraj, Head of Fleet Operations East at A.P. Moller, Maersk, highlighted the significance of the initiative:
“The drydocking of Maersk Chattogram in India is a meaningful step toward aligning Maersk’s global technical requirements with India’s growing shipyard, supplier, and maritime-service capabilities. We see strong potential for India to become an increasingly important global hub for the maritime sector and are committed to supporting that development through long-term partnerships and knowledge sharing.”
Dinesh Kumar Balraj·Head of Fleet Operations East, A.P. Moller, Maersk
L&T echoed this vision, with Arun Ramchandani, Head of Precision Engineering & Systems, stating:
“The docking of Maersk Chattogram at Kattupalli advances our strategic partnership under the MoU. By combining Maersk’s global maritime expertise with L&T’s shipbuilding capabilities, we aim to strengthen domestic capabilities and supply chains across the shipbuilding ecosystem. We share Maersk’s commitment to India’s maritime development and seek to play a key role in establishing the country as a globally competitive maritime hub.”
Arun Ramchandani·Head, Precision Engineering & Systems, L&T
The collaboration will bring together Maersk’s technical teams with L&T, local subcontractors, and maritime service providers to ensure the project’s safe and efficient execution. Beyond this drydocking, the partnership is expected to foster long-term knowledge exchange, positioning India as a key player in the global maritime industry. While the vessel’s arrival remains subject to operational and weather conditions, the initiative underscores the growing confidence in India’s ship repair infrastructure and its potential to serve international shipping leaders.
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