Dear Shareholders,
It is indeed my pleasure to welcome you all to the 107th
Annual General Meeting of your Company and share the Annual Report for the year 2022-23.
During the year, even as the world was grappling with ripple effect of
the economic volatility due to the conflict in Ukraine, your Company delivered robust
performance which is reflected in the key physical and financial parameters. The
Company's strength and resilience has helped it steer through the challenges to
surpass market expectations and achieve unprecedented milestones.
We achieved this by aligning to the vision and expectations of our
customers and an unwavering focus on operations and growth. As a leading shipyard with an
impressive repertoire of highly advanced and sophisticated vessels, your company continues
its relentless endeavor to deliver advanced vessels to meet the Nation's defence
needs, while simultaneously diversifying into emerging technologies and commercial
vessels.
HigHligHtS of tHe Year
I am happy to inform you that your Company has maintained incredible
momentum, achieving a remarkable revenue growth of 45.7% in FY 22-23, underscoring our
commitment to nurturing inherent strengths, pushing boundaries, and striving for
excellence.
With continuous improvement, agility and future readiness as key
drivers the Company has successfully surpassed financial targets set in FY 21-22,
recording the best ever financial performance in the history of the shipyard. This
creditable performance achieved with 22 vessels under various stages of construction,
stands testimony to your Company's commitment to deliver consistently against all
odds. During the year, we have successfully achieved a number of major production
milestones for ships under construction, including ahead of time deliveries to the delight
of our customers.
Continuing with our quest to lead the pack as a defence shipbuilder, I
am proud to state that we have won a Rs.3,550 crore contract for the construction of four
Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Navy. This contract, won
on competitive basis, reinforces our standing as a reliable and efficient partner to our
maritime forces.
We are determined to shape the future of shipbuilding, breaking new
ground and embracing cutting-edge technologies. As we continue on this remarkable journey,
we remain steadfast in our promise to deliver exceptional value to our esteemed customers,
shareholders, and stakeholders and thereby to our great nation.
financial Performance analYSiS
It is a matter of pride and delight for me to share that FY23 has been
the most successful year in the history of our Company in terms of key performance
parameters. Our revenue from operations grew by an impressive 45.7%, from Rs.1,541 crore
in FY22 to Rs.2,561 crore in FY23. Similarly, our total income grew from Rs.1,918 crore to
Rs.2,763 crore. We achieved an EBITDA growth of 19%, with figures rising from Rs.294.88
crore to Rs.351 crore. Our net profit (PAT) also increased by 20%, from
Rs. 189.53 crore to Rs.228 crore.
Furthermore, our earnings per share (EPS) grew by 20%, from Rs.16.55 to
Rs.19.91. The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio rose from 13.68 to 22.88, indicating positive
investor sentiment. Lastly, our net worth increased by 12.5%, reaching Rs.1,413 crore from
Rs.1,257 crore.
overview of Project StatuS anD orDer Book
The Company started FY23 with an order book of Rs. 24,147 crore, with
seven projects, comprising of 24 vessels. Three Project 17A frigates, four Survey Vessels
(Large), eight ASW Shallow Water Craft for the Indian
Navy and one FPV for the Coast Guard comprised the defence shipbuilding
orders. In addition, the order book also included an electric ferry for the Government of
West Bengal and export orders comprising of an Ocean-Going Cargo cum Passenger Vessel for
the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and six patrol boats for the People's Republic of
Bangladesh. I am pleased to inform that the two ships that we delivered during FY 23 i.e.
the fast patrol vessel for the Indian Coast Guard and the Ocean-Going Cargo cum Passenger
Vessel for Guyana, were both delivered ahead of schedule. As on 31 Mar 2023, our order
book stood at Rs.25,111.29 crore, reflecting a significant increase. The growth in order
book was primarily driven by the Rs.3,550 crore contract for construction of four
Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Navy.
Despite the challenges posed by disruptions in the global supply-chain,
our projects have been progressing as per plan. The ships of the Project 17 A are at
various stages of completion with outfitting activities in full swing. The first of class
Survey Vessel (Large) is in her trials phase and other ships of the class are progressing
in line with the planned production schedule. During FY 23, three vessels of the
Anti-Submarine Shallow Watercraft project were launched and production activities have
commenced on the balance five ships. Work on the Next-Generation Electric Ferry and the
patrol boats for Bangladesh are also progressing well and are scheduled for delivery
during 2023 -24. The Ship Repair Division of your Company has efficiently leveraged the
three dry-docks taken over on long term lease from Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata,
to successfully complete refits of 15 ships during the year, generating a revenue of
Rs.27.65 crore.
Marching ahead towards achieving the national goal of Atmanirbharta,
your Company has entered into a contract with Indian Navy for indigenous development and
supply of 10 in number 30 mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG) with Electro Optical Fire Control
System (EOFCS) at a cost of Rs.248.51 crore in May 2023. This foray into the field of
weapons and sensors marks a significant diversification with immense future potential for
your Company. Furthering our unique capability in construction of Modular
Bridges, GRSE has signed an MoU with the Border Roads Organisation
(BRO) for fabrication, supply, erection and launching of 30 Nos. Double Lane (DL) Modular
Bridges in May 2023. This is in addition to the 30 Nos DL Modular Bridges already under
supply to the BRO.
Strategic initiativeS
During the year, GRSE has taken positive steps to review its strategy
and look beyond its proven competitive strengths in warship building and engineering. Your
Company has taken deliberate steps to diversify into new products with immense future
market potential, including supply of Naval Surface Gun with EOFCS and development of zero
emission and autonomous vessels. Making a foray into commercial shipbuilding and taking
purposeful marketing initiatives to propel business development and expand our market
presence are other strategic moves with an eye on the future.
Towards widening our product portfolio, and also in line with our
"Make in India" efforts, we have signed an MoU with M/s Rolls Royce Solutions,
Germany towards localisation & co-production of Marine Diesel Engines. I am happy to
inform you that we have also signed an MoU with M/s Kongsberg Maritime, Finland for
Licenced production of Waterjets up to 3.5 MW capacity.
We have prioritised internal efficiency, cost reduction, and high
productivity as key drivers for exceptional outcomes. Our unwavering commitment to
customer satisfaction propels us to continuously improve our products to surpass
expectations and meet evolving demands. Seeding new technologies and innovation aimed at
continuously improving our products and processes lies at the center of your
Company's efforts to achieve these goals.
looking aHeaD
Having made the required strategic recalibration, your Company has
exciting prospects to look forward to in the immediate future. We are confident that with
the initiation of construction of the NGOPVs and commencement of deliveries of ships of
the other naval projects a significant portion of our current order book will be executed
in the next three financial years, maintaining an upward trajectory and delivering
exceptional value.
With the growing demand for autonomous vehicles for defence
applications and imminent transition to green energy vessels, your Company is
well-positioned to seize the vast opportunities that lie ahead. The expected growth in
demand for new commercial vessels, especially short-sea ships and handy sized vessels
presents itself as an opportunity as we seek to diversify our portfolio.
Your Company appreciates the need to work hand in hand with technology
leaders, industry partners and domain experts in this quest for diversification and is
forging strong working relationships with them. We remain steadfast in our commitment to
excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership, as we gear up for the future.
exPort focuS
Exports has been a key focus area for your Company, in line with the
policies of the Government of India. 23 Apr 2023 is a red-letter day in the history of you
Company, when MV MA Lisha, the Ocean-Going Cargo cum Passenger Vessel, built by us at a
cost of USD 12.73 Million, was commissioned in the presence of HE Dr Mohammad Irfan Ali,
Hon'ble President Cooperative Republic of Guyana and our Hon'ble Minister for
External Affairs, Dr. S Jaishankar. This not only exemplified the role of GRSE in bringing
the peoples of the two nations together but also signified the ability of your Company to
build and deliver state-of-the-art ships on schedule to distant nations. Your Company is
also executing an order for six patrol boats for the People's Republic of Bangladesh,
and these vessels are scheduled to be delivered during current financial year.
We are looking to expand our global foot print by aggressively pursuing
business opportunities for naval platforms in friendly foreign countries besides making a
foray into export of commercial ships.
atmanirBHata anD SPirit of innovation
GRSE has been at the forefront of driving Atmanirbharta' in
defence shipbuilding with sustained and systematic indigenisation efforts to maximise the
indigenous content of the platforms we deliver. Your Company is forging ahead with the
belief that true fructification of this national goal can only be achieved by forging
strong working relationships with industry partners, including MSMEs and Startups. The
Company is also striving to indigenously develop new and emerging technologies through
strategic MoUs with academia, technology leaders and startups, thereby bringing these
cutting-edge technologies to our products and processes. Following this approach, your
Company is already working on the development of a triad of autonomous vehicles namely,
AUVs, USVs and ship-based drones besides a number of other new technologies.
While your Company has a well-defined policy to encourage innovation
within the organisation, I am delighted to share that GRSE has also embarked on a mission
to leverage the startup ecosystem in the country to encourage development of innovative
solutions for the shipbuilding industry. Towards this, the Company launched "GRSE
Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme-2023 or GAINS 2023" and GRSE funded projects
are expected to take off during the current financial year.
training anD talent management
Employees are the Company's most valued asset and your
Company's success rides on the individual efforts of each member of Team GRSE. We
have some of the best talent in the country and it remains one of our key endeavors to
nurture them. Our people policies are structured to ensure a safe and conducive working
environment which facilitates and provides incentives to bring out the best in them. In a
rapidly changing technology landscape, our paramount focus is on continuously identifying
skill gaps and delivering tailored training, there by preparing them to take on emerging
challenges while also aligning them with our overarching business strategy.
SuStainaBle DeveloPment & eSg
Adopting sustainable practices while creating long-term assets has been
at the core of our value system. Your Company is committed to integrating Environmental,
Social and Governance (ESG) practices in the value chain and aims at contributing to
creating a better world for the next generation. Every action taken or decision made is
viewed through the prism of the future, ensuring that long-term value generation is not
undermined by short term considerations. We attach prime importance to safeguarding the
interests of our shareholders, employees, customers, supply chain and financial partners
and local communities, thereby creating sustainable value for every stakeholder.
Your Company firmly believes that the commitment towards playing a
defining role in the development of its stakeholders extends to uplifting lives of the
marginalised segments of the society. Your Company strongly believes and practices
investing in sustainable development of the marginalised societies around the area of our
operation by creating opportunities and spreading well-being. Your Company has invested
substantially in CSR initiatives and has made transformational impact to lives of
thousands of underprivileged people.
Your Company rigorously strives to conduct business with integrity, and
in an ethical and transparent manner, following the highest standards of Corporate
Governance practice. The Company has an established system in place to ensure that
policies and procedures of the Company are periodically reviewed and its Board of
Directors and Management at all levels are well informed about these policies, enabling
them to discharge their responsibilities with efficiency and transparency thereby
enhancing overall value of all stakeholders. Your Company has been continuously rated
"Excellent" for its compliances with DPE Guidelines on Corporate Governance.
concluDing remarkS
Indian Defence Manufacturing is at the cusp of a transformation, and
we, GRSE, remain in the forefront of the "Atmanirbhar" efforts of our Nation.
Our USP is our product diversity and today, our products range from "Warships to
Weapons".
As we transition through uncertain times with new and disruptive
technologies knocking on our doors, the challenges and opportunities for your Company are
unprecedent. The strong order book, emerging market scenario and the strategies that we
have in place to leverage the same augurs well for the Company. Our focus shall be on
consolidation of our core warship building prowess and other existing business verticals,
product diversification in areas of autonomous and green energy segments, effective
leveraging of strategic partnerships with Global OEMs, new technology adaption and process
improvement to enhance internal efficiency.
I am sure that with the continued support of all stake holders, your
Company will continue to grow from strength to strength and continue to deliver robust
value creation. I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Defence, Central
and State Governments for their vision, support and guidance. I am also grateful for the
trust and unstinted support of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. I would also like to thank
the Board of Directors, our employees, all our customers, supply chain partners and
technology partners for their unflinching commitment and contribution to our growth. I
would like to thank you, our shareholders, for your continued trust, support, and
confidence in GRSE. I look forward to your continued support as we strive towards
achieving higher levels of excellence.
Jai Hind |
cmDe Pr Hari, in (retd.) |
Chairman & Managing Director |