Reliance Acquires 74% Stake in Nauyaan Shipyard for ₹383 Crore, Expands Green Hydrogen Plans
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries is acquiring a 74% stake in Nauyaan Shipyard from Welspun Corp for ₹383 crore. The deal grants Reliance access to 138 acres of leased land in Dahej, Gujarat, near its petrochemical plant. Welspun had previously purchased 165 acres in the region in 2023. Reliance plans to use the land for salt storage, brine preparation, and hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing, supporting its green hydrogen initiatives. The acquisition is structured through Reliance Strategic Business Ventures, which first bought Nauyaan Tradings for ₹1 lakh.
Nauyaan Tradings will then acquire 74% of Nauyaan Shipyard. Nauyaan Shipyard’s total valuation, including debt, stands at ₹644 crore. Reliance’s shift from maritime to green manufacturing aligns with its sustainability goals. In 2023, the company launched Reliance New Energy for electrolyser production. A block deal of 14.5 lakh RIL shares also took place recently. RIL’s stock closed at ₹1,268.55, with a market cap of ₹17.16 lakh crore.
Reliance Acquires 74% Stake in Nauyaan Shipyard for ₹383 Crore, Expands Green Hydrogen Plans
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has taken a significant step in advancing its sustainable energy initiatives by acquiring a majority stake in Nauyaan Shipyard Private Limited (NSPL). This move aligns with the company’s green hydrogen ambitions. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited (RSBVL), RIL secured a 74% stake in NSPL for ₹383 crore. This strategic acquisition grants RIL access to key infrastructure in Gujarat, marking a shift from traditional industries to eco-friendly manufacturing.
Deal Structure and Financial Details
The transaction was executed in two phases. First, RSBVL acquired 100% ownership of Nauyaan Tradings Private Limited (NTPL)—a dormant company established on March 3, 2025—from Welspun Tradings, a subsidiary of Welspun Corp, for a nominal sum of ₹1 lakh. Following this, NTPL purchased a 74% stake in NSPL from Welspun Corp for ₹383 crore.
NSPL’s total enterprise value, including debt and liabilities, stands at ₹644 crore. This comprises ₹517 crore in equity value and ₹127 crore in existing debts. As part of the agreement, NSPL will settle ₹93.66 crore owed to Welspun Corp, streamlining its financial commitments.
Strategic Importance of the Acquisition
A key aspect of this deal is RIL’s access to 138 acres of leased land in Dahej, Gujarat, located near its existing petrochemical complex. This land is part of a larger 165-acre plot that Welspun acquired in 2023 from the bankrupt ABG Shipyard for ₹659 crore, which also includes 1,000 meters of waterfront. Reliance plans to develop this site for salt storage, brine preparation, and hydrogen electrolyser production—critical components of its green hydrogen strategy. Additionally, the company has secured rights to use foreshore land, further enhancing its operational flexibility.
Aligning with Green Energy Goals
This acquisition highlights Reliance’s commitment to renewable energy. In 2023, the company launched Reliance New Energy to enter the hydrogen electrolyser market, with plans to establish a facility with an initial capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW). The Dahej site will play a crucial role in supporting this vision, facilitating large-scale production of equipment necessary for green hydrogen—a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
Market Response and RIL’s Growth Trajectory
Meanwhile, RIL’s stock has shown steady growth. On Thursday, the share price closed at ₹1,268.55, reflecting a 1.67% increase. This contributed to a 5% rise over two weeks and a 4% gain since January 2025. With a market capitalization of ₹17.16 lakh crore, RIL remains India’s most valuable company. Additionally, a recent block deal involving 14.5 lakh RIL shares has drawn investor interest, though details of the parties involved remain undisclosed.
Welspun’s Role and Future Prospects
Welspun Corp, led by B.K. Goenka, has strategically divested a portion of its shipyard assets to focus on core operations. By transferring its stake in NSPL to Reliance, Welspun unlocks capital, while RIL gains infrastructure critical to its renewable energy expansion. This collaboration reflects a growing trend among Indian conglomerates repurposing industrial assets to support sustainability initiatives.
Conclusion
Reliance’s acquisition of Nauyaan Shipyard marks a transformative step, prioritizing green hydrogen and sustainable manufacturing. By leveraging Dahej’s strategic location and infrastructure, the company aims to position itself as a global leader in clean energy. This move not only diversifies RIL’s business portfolio but also aligns with India’s broader goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy innovation. As Reliance continues investing in eco-friendly technologies, this latest venture underscores the convergence of industrial growth and environmental responsibility.