Aimed at grabbing a share of the booming leisure boating market in India, Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC) will be launching FRP boats, also known as fiberglass boats or GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) boats.
The Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation Department has allotted Rs 50 lakh for modernisation of an existing slipway at Thopumpaddy in Kochi for the project. According to officials, apart from manufacturing FRP boats, the modern manufacturing facility will be dedicated to the repair of FRP boats.
“The new facility marks a significant step in KSINC’s strategic expansion into FRP boat building. Under the new administrative clearance, KSINC will upgrade its slipway infrastructure to support FRP boat production and maintenance, enabling greater efficiency and ensuring adherence to high safety and quality standards,” the officials said.
A senior executive of the KSINC said the facility will be a milestone in furthering the corporation’s core mandate of constructing and servicing small inland and coastal boats. Leveraging FRP technology, the new setup is designed to boost output in segments such as tourist boats and light commercial crafts, enabling faster turnaround and reduced maintenance compared to conventional steel or wooden vessels.
This expansion aligns closely with the state’s ambitions to strengthen inland water transport, tourism, and coastal shipping infrastructure.
“The relevance of the FRP boats is increasing for tourism and transport as the material offers corrosion resistance, lower weight, and better fuel efficiency for hybrid and electric propulsion,” the officer said.
As per a Government Order issued on July 17, 2025, the new facility will be primarily focused on manufacturing FRP pedal boats, row boats, four- and eight-seater speed boats.
By expanding into FRP boat building, KSINC aims to make inroads into Kerala’s small‑craft sector and catalyse fresh growth in tourism, inland waterways, and small‑scale maritime trade.
