BEML-India, KSOE & HSHI forge strategic partnership.
BEML, KSOE, and HSHI Forge Strategic Partnership for Maritime and Port Cranes in India: Bengaluru, India – December 5, 2025: In a historic step aimed at reshaping India’s maritime landscape, BEML Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with two global engineering giants—HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd (KSOE) and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI). This collaboration will set the stage for the design, development, and manufacture of cutting-edge maritime and port cranes, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in high-tech maritime infrastructure.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised at BEML’s headquarters in Bengaluru in the presence of key executives from the three companies. The partnership comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. Together, these three engineering leaders will create a new generation of conventional and autonomous cranes to be produced in India. These cranes will be equipped with advanced features, including energy efficiency, automation, and enhanced cargo-handling capabilities, with comprehensive after-sales service, spares, and training facilities.
A Vision for India’s Maritime Future
This collaboration is a critical component of India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aspires to position the country among the world’s top five maritime powers by significantly expanding its port capacity. With a target to grow India’s port capacity to 10,000 Million Metric Tons Per Annum (MMTPA), the vision seeks to modernise the country’s ports and shipyards while enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative is a central theme in this partnership, as it aligns with the nation’s goal of reducing dependence on foreign imports for advanced maritime technologies. The collaboration between BEML, KSOE, and HSHI aims to not only elevate India’s port infrastructure but also position India as a leader in the design and manufacturing of maritime cranes, especially high-capacity, smart, and energy-efficient systems tailored for the next generation of port operations.
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BEML-India, KSOE & HSHI forge strategic partnership.
The Power of Strategic Partnerships
BEML’s role in the partnership is pivotal, leveraging its decades-long experience in indigenous manufacturing and engineering excellence. Known for its track record in supporting India’s maritime ambitions, BEML’s Maritime Strategic Business Unit (SBU) is dedicated to advancing the country’s port modernisation, cargo handling, and shipbuilding support systems. This partnership enhances BEML’s capabilities to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored for the evolving demands of India’s maritime sector.
Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, expressed confidence that this partnership would play a vital role in transforming India’s maritime capabilities. “The joint collaboration with KSOE and HSHI marks a defining moment for India’s maritime sector. By integrating our indigenous manufacturing strength with the global expertise of our partners, we aim to deliver next-generation maritime and port cranes that are not only energy-efficient but also equipped with autonomous capabilities for enhanced operational efficiency,” Roy said.
KSOE, one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced shipbuilding groups, brings a wealth of expertise in commercial and naval vessels, offshore structures, and heavy marine engineering. With a proven leadership in the development of complex marine systems, KSOE will contribute significantly to the creation of high-performance cranes that are custom-tailored to India’s maritime needs.
In addition, HSHI, a prominent player in the global shipbuilding industry, adds its proficiency in industrial cranes and heavy equipment to the partnership. Known for its expertise in the design, manufacturing, and automation of large-scale cranes, HSHI’s contribution will be instrumental in developing state-of-the-art crane systems for ports and shipyards across India. HSHI’s cutting-edge technology in crane automation will ensure that these new systems will offer improved safety, efficiency, and reduced operational costs.
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BEML-India, KSOE & HSHI forge strategic partnership.
Empowering India’s Maritime Ecosystem
This collaboration between BEML, KSOE, and HSHI is expected to catalyse a significant transformation in India’s port-handling and maritime infrastructure. By focusing on energy-efficient, autonomous, and high-capacity crane systems, the partnership will address some of the key challenges faced by India’s port operations, such as heavy cargo handling, automation, and reducing operational downtime.
One of the main goals of this collaboration is to ensure that India’s ports are equipped with advanced equipment that can handle the increasing demand for maritime trade, in line with the nation’s economic growth. The new generation of cranes will not only enhance the operational efficiency of India’s ports but will also contribute to sustainability goals by focusing on energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly technologies.
This partnership also presents a significant opportunity for India to reduce its reliance on imported equipment and bolster its domestic manufacturing capabilities. By establishing a robust manufacturing ecosystem in India, the collaboration is set to create high-value direct and indirect jobs in the country’s maritime sector, thereby contributing to both economic and employment growth.
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Government Support and Strategic Vision
The strategic partnership was formalised in the presence of senior government officials and executives from all three companies. The Government of India’s strong support for this initiative is aligned with its vision of strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and positioning the country as a global leader in port management and shipbuilding.
During the signing ceremony, Cmde RGK Rao, Head of the Maritime SBU at BEML, expressed optimism that this collaboration would significantly contribute to India’s aspirations of becoming a self-reliant maritime power. “This partnership is not just about building cranes; it’s about building a sustainable future for India’s maritime industry,” he said.
The creation of a high-tech maritime crane ecosystem within India also aligns with the Government’s push for a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. As the country aims to meet its long-term maritime objectives, this collaboration marks a critical step forward in enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of India’s maritime sector on the global stage.
The partnership between BEML, KSOE, and HSHI is poised to revolutionise India’s port and maritime infrastructure. By focusing on innovative, energy-efficient, and smart crane systems, this collaboration will not only drive India’s port expansion goals but will also bolster the nation’s overall competitiveness in the global maritime arena.
As India looks to the future, the development of indigenous capabilities in maritime and port cranes will be a crucial pillar in achieving the country’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This strategic partnership, backed by robust government support, is set to pave the way for a new era of maritime excellence in India.
