Cochin Shipyard and SFO Technologies launch India’s first indigenous hybrid laser‑arc welding system

Cochin Shipyard Limited and Kochi‑based SFO Technologies Private Limited have unveiled what they describe as India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured hybrid laser‑arc welding (HLAW) system. The announcement came during the inauguration of the Advanced Laser Engineering Centre and an HLAW R&D facility at NeST Hitek Park in Kalamassery, Kerala.

What the system does

The HLAW platform blends a high‑power fibre laser—developed in‑house by SFO Technologies—with conventional arc welding, robotic handling and advanced automation. By marrying the precision of laser welding with the versatility of arc processes, the system can achieve faster welding speeds, deeper penetration and lower heat‑affected‑zone distortion. The developers say it also delivers more consistent weld quality, a critical factor for sectors where structural integrity is non‑negotiable.

Strategic significance

The technology is poised to serve a range of strategic manufacturing sectors: shipbuilding, defence equipment, heavy engineering, railway rolling stock, energy infrastructure and large‑tank fabrication. Faster, more reliable welds translate directly into higher productivity and reduced rework, helping India meet ambitious capacity targets in its defence and maritime programmes. Officials highlighted the system as a concrete example of the "Make in India" agenda delivering high‑value, export‑ready capabilities.

Inauguration details

The centre was opened by Jose V.J., chairman and managing director of Cochin Shipyard, and N. Jehangir, chairman and managing director of SFO Technologies. Both executives underscored the partnership’s role in bolstering domestic manufacturing resilience and reducing dependence on imported welding solutions. The event, held on 12 November 2026, featured a live demonstration where the hybrid system welded a section of a ship hull plate in under half the time of a conventional setup.

Looking ahead

Industry analysts anticipate that the HLAW technology will soon be rolled out across Cochin Shipyard’s new‑build projects and could be offered to other Indian shipyards and defence manufacturers. The integration of robotics and automation aligns with broader government goals to modernise heavy industry and improve safety standards on the shop floor. If the promised performance gains materialise, the system may also find export markets, reinforcing India’s emerging reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

Overall, the collaboration showcases home‑grown engineering talent, reinforces national self‑reliance in critical technologies and adds momentum to the country’s strategic industrial roadmap.