According to the statement, Pipavav is looking at potential orders worth Rs 120,000 crores (US$ 20 billion approx) just in the next five years. Pipavav already has technological tie-ups with global leaders like Saab (Sweden), DCNS (France), Sembcorp Marine (Singapore) JSC Zvyozdochka and Rosobronexport Russia.
Under Mr Ambani’s leadership, infusion of new capital and an arrangement with a leading US shipboard systems company are likely.
Located on India's western seaboard in the Arabian Sea, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat, Pipavav was set up by businessman/ entrepreneur Nikhil Gandhi, and the facility began operating as a port in 1996.
Today, the Pipavav port is capable of handling container as well as bulk and LPG vessels and many shipping lines are currently using its facilities, which are also expanding. Initially, it had started operations to cater to the refrigerated cargo market in fish exports.
On 7 August 2012, Pipavav Shipyard Ltd became Pipavav Defence & Offshore Engineering Company and was the first private shipyard to secure a Rs 2,600 crores ($ 50 million approx. then) contract from the Indian Navy to construct six OPVs, each with a displacement of about 2,500 tonnes. But the company needed more work, and had loans to pay. There were discussions with other business houses also, notably the Mahindras and Munjals. But Reliance literally pipped them in the Pipavav acquisition.
Incidentally, Pipavav Defence has one of the world's largest Infrastructure facilities - spread over 841 acres of land on the West Coast of India (Gujarat), Gulf of Cambay, with 210 acres of fully developed waterfront land and 250 acres developed for shipbuilding.
It also has India's largest, and one of the world’s largest dry docks, measuring 662 meters in length and 65 meters in width. The second dry dock measuring 750 meters in length and 60 meters in width is under development. (
Some pictures, taken by India Strategic just a couple of weeks back, are shown here to illustrate the facility).
About the transaction, Mr. Ambani commented: “This is a unique opportunity for Reliance Group to participate in Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ programme for the high growth defence sector. We are confident that our strategic investment will create long term value for all stakeholders.”
..:: India Strategic ::. Defence Industry: Anil Ambani's Reliance Infra Acquires Pipavav Defence
I can't believe this and never expected such a step from this government.
