Tirupati: Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh has announced that Andhra Pradesh is set to emerge as a global hub for maritime innovation and autonomous systems. The state will concentrate on marine technology, coastal security, and the blue economy.
This statement followed the laying of the foundation for an autonomous maritime shipyard and systems development centre at the Juvvaladinne fishing harbour in Bogole mandal, Nellore district. The facility is being developed by Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd.
Lokesh remarked that the establishment of the country’s first autonomous maritime shipbuilding and systems development centre represents a significant advancement in India’s maritime technology and coastal security systems. Highlighting the country’s extensive 7,500 km coastline, he noted that Andhra Pradesh boasts the second longest coastline in India.
He emphasised the sea’s multifaceted role as a source of livelihood, trade, culture, and opportunities for coastal communities. Thousands of families rely on fishing, often facing unpredictable sea conditions to sustain the coastal economy.
The Juvvaladinne fishing harbour has been developed at an investment of Rs.288.80 crore, featuring essential facilities such as landing platforms, auction halls, net-repair yards, internal roads, electricity supply, drinking water, and fish handling infrastructure. This harbour is projected to benefit approximately 25,000 fishing families.
It provides safe berthing for around 1,250 mechanised and motorised fishing boats and is estimated to manage nearly 41,000 tonnes of fish landings annually. Additionally, it will serve as a refuge for fishing vessels during cyclones and rough weather, ensuring the protection of boats, engines, and fishing gear.
The autonomous maritime shipyard and systems development centre will occupy approximately 29.58 acres adjacent to the harbour. Lokesh stated that this facility will focus on developing technologies such as unmanned surface vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles, artificial intelligence-based maritime surveillance systems, and navigation technologies.
These advancements are expected to enhance coastal surveillance, port security, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and maritime defence operations. Furthermore, they will assist fishermen through real-time weather updates, fish identification support, and navigation assistance, thereby improving safety at sea, reducing fuel consumption, and elevating productivity.
Lokesh reassured fishermen that their interests would be safeguarded throughout the project, indicating that it would generate employment opportunities for youth from fishing communities.
He also highlighted Bharat Biotech as a key investor supporting Sagar Defence Engineering, noting that this initiative would create high-skill jobs for engineers, maritime technology specialists, robotics experts, and young innovators. Additionally, it aims to foster research, innovation, and skill development in marine technologies.