KOCHI : Kochi-based MKEL Marine has launched five lines of indigenously designed and manufactured watercraft, aiming to reduce India’s dependence on imported high-end boats and tap global markets.

The new range, designed, engineered and manufactured at the company’s Njarakkal facility to international standards, was unveiled on Saturday by renowned circumnavigator Commander Abhilash Tomy, KC, NM (Retd), the first Indian to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.

The launch signals MKEL Marine’s wider ambition to strengthen indigenous maritime manufacturing across leisure boating, eco-tourism, competitive watersports and offshore operations.

The company’s new portfolio includes Touring and Expedition Kayaks, lightweight composite craft designed for expedition paddling, eco-tourism and competitive watersports, as well as Stand-Up Paddle Boards and Surfboards built specifically for coastal and backwater conditions.

MKEL Marine also unveiled its Velor Powerboat Series, an ocean-going platform built using impact-resistant marine composites. The vessels are aimed at applications including sports fishing, offshore cruising, coastal patrol and surveillance, diving and charter services, as well as luxury and resort transfers.

Its Work Boat range will cater to crew transfers, passenger transport, diving support, harbour and backwater operations, marine surveys and inspection services.

The fifth category comprises Sailing Yachts, including the ORC 33, a 9.9-metre performance racing sailboat, and the Explorer 39, a 12-metre blue-water cruising yacht.

Founder and CEO Jose Babu Maliakel, a naval architect, said the company hopes to create a stronger industrial base for advanced maritime manufacturing in Kerala.

“By integrating globally benchmarked composite technology with indigenous naval design, we are laying the groundwork for a structural transformation in India’s leisure and performance maritime industry,” Maliakel said.

“Our mission is to evolve Kerala into Asia’s flagship hub for high-performance watercraft manufacturing and design.”

To strengthen its international capabilities, MKEL Marine has entered into a non-exclusive design licensing agreement with Perth-based B&G Yacht Design, founded by yacht designer Roberto Barros.

Under the agreement, MKEL Marine will manufacture and sell the ORC 33 and Explorer 39 globally, while carrying out plug and mould construction and classification documentation at its Kochi facility.

The company has invested Rs 2.5 crore so far and plans to increase its total investment to Rs 10 crore by 2027.

The planned capital expenditure will be directed towards production moulds for its yacht, powerboat and work boat ranges, expansion of its waterside manufacturing facility and the commencement of work on a marina and experience centre.

MKEL Marine is also planning a significant expansion of its workforce. Its team of production engineers, design engineers and composite manufacturing technicians is expected to grow to 35 employees by the end of 2026, 60 by the end of 2027 and 100 by the end of 2028.

The company is targeting export markets across Europe, the Middle East, South-East Asia and the Maldives.