Maersk’s first India drydocking begins as Chattogram arrives in Chennai
The 2,754 TEU vessel will use India’s largest shiplift system for a full overhaul at L&T’s Kattupalli shipyard.
India’s maritime sector reached a key milestone this week as the first Maersk container vessel docked at a local shipyard for scheduled maintenance. The Maersk Chattogram, a 2,754 TEU capacity ship, arrived at Larsen & Toubro’s Kattupalli facility near Chennai on October 20 to begin a comprehensive overhaul.
The vessel, constructed in 2016 and operating under Maersk’s fleet since 2022, measures 186 meters in length and has a deadweight tonnage of 37,157. Registered in Singapore, it will undergo its scheduled special survey along with maintenance work covering the hull, propulsion system, and onboard equipment.
Advanced infrastructure supports first major drydocking: Maersk
The maintenance operation will utilize India’s largest shiplift system, a facility that underscores the country’s growing capabilities in ship repair. Larsen & Toubro, which operates the Kattupalli shipyard, has previously handled complex overhauls for international clients, including vessels from the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
A.P. Møller-Maersk
Arun Ramchandani, Head of Precision Engineering & Systems at L&T, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project: “This initiative brings together Maersk’s technical teams with local contractors, suppliers, and maritime service providers to execute the work.”
The drydocking follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Maersk and L&T during India Maritime Week 2025, which established a framework for ship repair, maintenance, and knowledge exchange.
India’s maritime expansion gains momentum
This maintenance operation aligns with India’s broader strategy to develop its shipbuilding and repair industries. Maersk has already taken steps to strengthen its presence in the country, including reflagging two vessels, Maersk Vigo and Maersk Vilnius, to the Indian registry in October 2025. The move helped the company comply with India’s cabotage regulations while supporting the nation’s goal of reducing reliance on foreign-flagged vessels for exports.
India currently has 41 container vessels under its flag, including six operated by CMA CGM, which became the first major international carrier to reflag ships to India. CMA CGM has also committed to building six feeder vessels at Cochin Shipyard, with the first expected for delivery in February 2029.
Maersk’s collaboration with Indian shipyards reflects a growing trend among global carriers to invest in the country’s maritime infrastructure. The successful completion of this drydocking could encourage more international shipping companies to consider India for maintenance and repair services.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
