BEML, KSOE and HSHI Forge Strategic Partnership to Build Next-Generation Maritime & Port Crane Ecosystem in India

Bengaluru | December 05, 2025 : In a landmark move set to launch a new era in India’s maritime equipment manufacturing, under the aegis of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, BEML Limited has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd (KSOE) and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI).

This collaboration brings together three global engineering leaders to jointly design, develop, manufacture, integrate, install, commission, and support a new generation of conventional and autonomous maritime and port cranes to be produced in India, supported by comprehensive after-sales service, spares, and training capabilities.

This partnership is closely aligned with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, with aspiration to grow India’s port capacity to 10,000 MMTPA, and position India among the world’s top five maritime powers. It marks an important step in developing indigenous capabilities in a strategic high technology sector like port cranes and reinforces our continued commitment of achieving ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the maritime sector. By bringing together BEML’s indigenous manufacturing scale and engineering expertise with the advanced global capabilities of KSOE and HSHI, the partnership aims to accelerate the modernisation of India’s port operations and maritime infrastructure, reducing import dependence and enabling India to build advanced, high-capacity, smart and energy-efficient crane systems tailored for the next era of port expansion, shipyard automation and cargo-handling excellence.  Further, this manufacturing will also strengthen the private sector and create high value direct and indirect jobs.

The MoU was formalized at BEML’s headquarters in Bengaluru in the presence of Shri Shantanu Roy, CMD, BEML and representatives from HD KSOE including Mr Han Nae Choi (Senior Vice President), Corporate Planning Division and Mr Young Hoon Kwon, Director of Global Business, and from HD Samho including Mr Jong Ho Park, Head of Crane and Industrial Plant Department.   The MoU has been signed by Cmde RGK Rao, Head – Maritime SBU, BEML, and officials of KSOE and HSHI.

BEML’s Maritime Strategic Business Unit continues to advance the nation’s maritime ambitions through indigenous solutions spanning shipbuilding support systems, port modernisation, dredging, cargo and material handling, and specialised marine engineering applications. With decades of proven engineering heritage and a robust nationwide industrial footprint, BEML delivers reliability, innovation, and self-reliant capabilities that strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure and industrial ecosystem.

KSOE, one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced shipbuilding groups, contributes unparalleled expertise across commercial and naval vessels, offshore structures, and heavy marine engineering. Its global leadership in complex marine systems will support the development of high-performance maritime cranes tailored to India’s evolving requirements. HSHI, a global shipbuilding major with deep proficiency in industrial cranes and heavy equipment, adds world-class capability in design, development, manufacturing, and automation of large-scale crane systems deployed across major international ports and shipyards.

Together, BEML, KSOE, and HSHI aim to establish a future-ready, high-technology maritime crane ecosystem within India—one that strengthens the nation’s shipbuilding and port-handling capabilities, supports sustainable growth, catalyses next-generation infrastructure, and contributes meaningfully to India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal goals for 2047.