Andhra Pradesh government has approved the setting up of India’s first dedicated autonomous maritime shipyard and systems development centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Bogole mandal of SPSR Nellore district. The project, led by Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited, is being described as the world’s first facility of its kind focused exclusively on unmanned and autonomous maritime platforms.
The state cabinet has allotted 29.58 acres of land on a lease basis through the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board. This includes 7.58 acres of waterfront and 22 acres of harbour land, providing direct sea access essential for shipbuilding, testing, and deployment of autonomous surface vessels, underwater systems, and integrated intelligent maritime solutions.
The specialised shipyard will concentrate on design, construction, and real-time testing of autonomous technologies for both defence and commercial applications. It is expected to create around 750 jobs, with 300 direct and 450 indirect positions, strengthening the local industrial and skill ecosystem along the coast.
The initiative positions Andhra Pradesh as a strategic hub for next-generation maritime and defence manufacturing. It supports India’s broader push for self-reliance in advanced defence technologies, including unmanned systems and autonomous vessels, while fostering innovation in the maritime sector.
Construction is scheduled to begin soon, with machinery installation targeted for completion in phases over the coming years. The project reflects growing private sector involvement in high-tech defence and maritime infrastructure in the state.
