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Synergy Marine Group brings newbuilding and conversion expertise to Cochin Shipyard collaboration

Updated:

Sep 22, 2026

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Published:

Sep 22, 2026

Synergy Marine Group and Cochin Shipyard Limited formalise their collaboration in Kochi on 22 September 2026. From left: Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO, Ship Management, Synergy Marine Group; Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO, Synergy Marine Group; Jose V J, Chairman and Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited; and Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, Director (Technical), Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Collaboration combines Synergy’s vessel engineering, newbuilding and conversion project expertise, and long-term ship management with CSL’s industrial capabilities to pursue opportunities for international shipowners.

Kochi and Singapore, 22 September 2026: Synergy Marine Group and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly pursue shipbuilding, repair and conversion projects in India. The MoU was signed by Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO Ship Management of Synergy Marine Group, and Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, Director (Technical) of CSL, in the presence of Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO of Synergy Marine Group, and Jose V J, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL.

The MoU provides a framework to combine CSL’s industrial capacity with Synergy’s experience in owners’ representation, engineering, project management and long-term technical management across shipbuilding and ship repair.

Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO of Synergy Marine Group, said:

“A vessel’s long-term performance is shaped well before it enters service. Our role is to carry the owner’s requirements through engineering and project execution into the years of operation that follow. Combining that experience with CSL’s industrial capabilities gives us a practical basis to develop shipbuilding and conversion opportunities in India, with decisions guided by safety, reliability and total cost of ownership.”

The group has supported the delivery of more than 250 newbuilding projects, and its current portfolio of newbuilding assignments covers more than 150 vessels under construction at 20 shipyards across six countries.

The group also brings experience in converting LNG carriers into floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), alongside engineering studies for floating storage and LNG bunkering applications. Its conversion offering provides complete project management, with FSRU designs tailored to each project’s requirements. The scope spans feasibility studies and engineering design, equipment procurement, site supervision and commissioning, supported by preparation for safe operations and subsequent technical management.

The MoU covers joint business development in ship repair, conversion, newbuilding, module fabrication and oil and gas projects. It also provides for mutually agreed technical and strategic advisory support to CSL’s newbuilding activities, including project planning, execution and quality assurance. Opportunities will be assessed against client requirements and the suitability of CSL’s facilities.

Jose V J, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, said:

“India’s maritime opportunity includes technically demanding projects for international customers. Building that business requires strong shipyard facilities supported by engineering expertise, project discipline and skilled people. Synergy’s newbuilding and conversion experience complements CSL’s capabilities, giving us a basis to explore opportunities that support India’s ambitions under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.”

Synergy Marine Group and Cochin Shipyard Limited formalise their collaboration in Kochi on 22 September 2026. From left: Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO, Ship Management, Synergy Marine Group; Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO, Synergy Marine Group; Jose V J, Chairman and Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited; and Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, Director (Technical), Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Synergy Marine Group and Cochin Shipyard Limited formalise their collaboration in Kochi on 22 September 2026. From left: Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO, Ship Management, Synergy Marine Group; Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO, Synergy Marine Group; Jose V J, Chairman and Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited; and Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, Director (Technical), Cochin Shipyard Limited.

About Cochin Shipyard Limited

Cochin Shipyard Limited is a shipbuilding and ship repair company based in Kochi, Kerala. Incorporated in 1972, it is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. CSL undertakes commercial and defence projects for customers in India and overseas.

About Synergy Marine Group

Synergy Marine Group is a global ship manager based in Singapore, with more than 750 vessels under management. Its fleet spans bulk carriers, containerships, oil and chemical tankers, gas carriers and floating storage and regasification units. The Group employs over 32,000 seafarers worldwide and operates through 31 offices in 15 countries. It provides technical and crew management, alongside newbuilding and conversion project services, with a focus on safe operations, crew wellbeing and long-term asset performance.

Media contacts

Synergy Marine Group
Vishal Srivastava
Global Head, Media & Communications
vishal.s@synergyship.com

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