In a significant move for India’s maritime and defense sectors, Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for IT and Education, Nara Lokesh, laid the foundation stone for the country’s first-ever Autonomous Maritime Shipyard and Systems Development Center. The project is being developed by Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited at the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Nellore district. This landmark initiative aims to establish Andhra Pradesh as a premier hub for maritime robotics and autonomous ship-building, significantly boosting the nation’s sea-tech capabilities.
The state government has allocated nearly 30 acres of land on a lease basis for this project, including 7.58 acres of strategic waterfront access. In the initial phase, Sagar Defence will invest ₹45 crore, which is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for over 1,000 local youths. These opportunities will span across specialized fields such as marine engineering, research and development, and autonomous systems. Commercial operations are slated to begin by November 2026, with long-term plans to expand the facility to cover 200 acres.
During the ceremony, Minister Lokesh emphasized that this project is a crucial step toward strengthening the “Blue Economy” and fostering maritime innovation in the state. Accompanied by several prominent leaders, including Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, the Minister toured an exhibition showcasing the project’s technical details. The establishment of this center is expected to draw further high-tech investments into the region, placing Nellore on the global map for advanced maritime technology.
