The government says
the measures will help shipyards manage payment defaults, project delays and
financial risks associated with large, long-term shipbuilding contracts. The policies
are: Shipbuilding Project Credit Risk Insurance Policy
(SbPCP): Developed by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC), this
policy covers export shipbuilding projects. And Business Credit
Shield Policy–Shipbuilders (BCSPS): Developed by The New India Assurance
Company, this policy provides protection for domestic shipbuilding
projects. Under the initiative, the
government will subsidise insurance premiums and provide financial support to
insurers in the event of claims. The objective is to reduce the financial
burden on shipyards and improve confidence among lenders and project
stakeholders. Shipbuilding
projects typically involve substantial upfront expenditure on materials, equipment,
labour and infrastructure, while payments may be spread across several
construction milestones. Delayed payments or buyer defaults can therefore place
considerable pressure on shipyard cash flows. The new insurance products are intended to
reduce these risks and make it easier for Indian shipbuilders to undertake
larger projects and compete in international markets.
The initiative
forms part of India’s broader ₹69,725 crore shipbuilding and maritime
development package, which aims to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity,
improve access to finance and strengthen the country’s maritime manufacturing
ecosystem.