HD Hyundai has confirmed its commitment to establishing a shipyard in the Thoothukudi district during discussions with a team led by Tamil Nadu Minister Keerthana. The project has now advanced to the stage of preparing a detailed technical project report.

South Korea's HD Hyundai had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a shipyard near the V.O.C. Port in Thoothukudi with an investment of ₹18,000 crore. The company's subsidiary, HD KSOE, operates in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors and is the entity undertaking this project in Thoothukudi.

Following the change of government in Tamil Nadu after the assembly elections in April of this year, the Andhra Pradesh government attempted to attract the company's investment. However, Tamil Nadu officials held continuous discussions to retain HD Hyundai's investment.

A senior team from HD KSOE, led by Sunjun Hong, camped in Thoothukudi for a week starting on the 1st of the month to inspect and survey potential sites.The team held discussions the day before yesterday at the Chennai Secretariat with officials including Industries Minister Keerthana and Secretary Vijayakumar. During these talks, they gave an assurance that the project would proceed in Tamil Nadu.

In a statement regarding this, Minister Keerthana noted that Thoothukudi's long-held dream is now becoming a reality. Work on the HD Hyundai shipyard has commenced, with preliminary surveys and detailed project planning currently underway in full swing. The statement added that HD Hyundai is proceeding with full confidence in the implementation of this flagship shipbuilding project.