BEML, KSOE & HSHI Join Forces to Build Next-Gen Maritime Cranes in India
In a major boost to India’s maritime manufacturing ambitions, 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). The partnership, formalised at BEML’s Bengaluru headquarters, aims to jointly develop and produce next-generation conventional and autonomous maritime and port cranes in India.
The collaboration – announced under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways – brings together BEML’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities with KSOE and HSHI’s advanced global expertise. The three companies plan to cooperate across the entire value chain, including design, development, manufacturing, integration, installation, commissioning, and lifecycle support, complemented by robust after-sales service, spares, and training.
The initiative is closely aligned with the government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which targets expanding India’s port capacity to 10,000 MMTPA and positioning the country among the world’s top five maritime powers. Officials said the partnership is a significant step toward achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat in a high-technology domain traditionally dependent on imports.
By enabling local production of advanced, high-capacity, smart and energy-efficient crane systems, the collaboration is expected to accelerate port modernisation, shipyard automation, and cargo-handling efficiency. It is also projected to generate high-value jobs and strengthen the private sector ecosystem supporting maritime infrastructure.
The MoU was signed in the presence of BEML CMD Shantanu Roy; Han Nae Choi, Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning Division, KSOE; Young Hoon Kwon, Director of Global Business, KSOE; and Jong Ho Park, Head of Crane and Industrial Plant Department, HSHI. Cmde RGK Rao (Retd.), Head of BEML’s Maritime Strategic Business Unit, represented BEML during the signing.
