According to deputy shipping minister Pon Radhakrishnan, various suggestions from the yards have been presented to the government, including financial assistance, but no implementation timelines have been set.

Since last June, local shipbuilders have lobbied the government for a host of policy initiatives to help them overcome a lack of export orders and dwindling financial muscle.

Demands include creating a new “national shipyards fund”, exemption from taxes and duties, and achieving so-called “infrastructure status”.