Kochi-Based MKEL Marine Launches Five Indigenous Watercraft Lines to Target Global Markets

KOCHI — Kochi-based watercraft specialist MKEL Marine has launched five new lines of indigenously built watercraft. The product range was unveiled by circumnavigator Commander Abhilash Tomy, the first Indian to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world, alongside MKEL Marine Founder and CEO Jose Babu Maliakel.

The newly introduced product portfolio comprises Touring & Expedition Kayaks, Stand-Up Paddle Boards & Surfboards, the Velor Powerboat Series, Work Boats, and Sailing Yachts. These watercraft have been designed, engineered, and manufactured at the company’s production facility located in Njarakkal, near Kochi.

Speaking on the launch, Jose Babu Maliakel, founder and CEO of MKEL Marine, stated that the company aims to integrate globally benchmarked composite technology with indigenous naval design. The initiative is intended to build a foundation for a structural transformation in India’s leisure and performance maritime sector, with the long-term mission of positioning Kerala as a primary hub for high-performance watercraft manufacturing and design in Asia.

As part of its expansion strategy, 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 this partnership, the company is authorized to build and sell two B&G sailing yacht designs. MKEL Marine will handle plug and mould construction as well as classification documentation entirely in-house.

Looking outward, the company has set its sights on international markets, including Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Maldives. Domestically, the firm seeks to establish Kerala as a leader in advanced composite manufacturing while emerging as an exporter of marine lifestyle products.

According to the company, this domestic manufacturing initiative is also intended to reduce India’s reliance on imported high-end boats while opening avenues to capture demand in overseas maritime markets.

"MKEL Marine's launch of five indigenous watercraft lines highlights the growing capability of Indian startups in advanced composite engineering and niche manufacturing. By combining local production with international design partnerships, such as their agreement with B&G Yacht Design, the company is not only reducing import dependency but also building a viable model for global export. This points to a maturing maritime startup ecosystem in India, where regional manufacturing hubs like Kerala can successfully target international markets." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes