"Shipbuilding in India can be traced back to 2300 BC, the period of the Harappan civilization, when the world’s first dock was built in Lothal. For centuries, indigenously built ships carried Indian mariners from both seaboards to trade with other great civilisations. During British rule many new shipbuilding yards came up in Bombay in the 18th and 19th centuries. HMS Trincomalee, built in 1816 in Bombay, holds the distinction of being the oldest warship still afloat and is a testimony to Indian shipbuilding skills."

"The seminar therefore is meant to examine the challenges facing Indian shipbuilding, as well as brainstorm policies and reforms necessary to stimulate the industry so as to enhance the capability, capacity and competitiveness of Indian shipyards."

"To conclude, while the Government is expected to bring in measures to make Indian shipyards globally competitive, adoption of modular shipbuilding and digital techniques can enhance the efficiency of the yards making them more competitive.”