The Indian shipbuilder Swan Defense and Heavy Industries (SDHI) has secured the largest single order in Indian shipbuilding history.
The company signed a contract with the Norwegian shipping company Rederiet Stenersen for the construction of a total of six IMO Type II chemical tankers, each with a capacity of 18,000 dwt. An option for six further vessels was also agreed. The total contract value amounts to 227 million dollars.
The newbuildings are being built at the Pipavav shipyard in the state of Gujarat and mark the first major shipbuilding order for SDHI since the takeover and comprehensive modernization of the site. The first ship is scheduled for delivery within 33 months, in the fourth quarter of 2028, with the other units to follow at fixed intervals.
Marinform and StoGda Ship Design, DNV classified
The approximately 150 m long and 23 m wide chemical tankers are being jointly designed by the Norwegian Marinform AS and the Polish StoGda Ship Design and Engineering Company and classified by DNV. The vessels are designed to operate in Ice Class 1A conditions and will be equipped with an automated hybrid propulsion system to improve maneuverability and operational flexibility. The design also provides for later conversion to alternative fuels such as methanol or LNG. In addition, there is space for an expansion of the battery capacity to up to 5,000 kWh.
The order marks the first time that the construction of chemical tankers has been awarded to an Indian shipyard. For Rederiet Stenersen, which currently operates a fleet of 20 chemical and product tankers with deadweight capacities between 13,000 and 18,500 tdw, the contract represents a further fleet renewal. The company’s vessels are mainly deployed on Nordic routes.
The Pipavav shipyard claims to have the largest dry dock in India and accounts for around 30% of the country’s shipbuilding capacity. Following investments of around USD 250 million, the site is now also designed for the construction of large commercial ships.
“National Shipbuilding Commission” established
The commission underlines India’s growing importance in international shipbuilding, which the government intends to further strengthen with extensive support programs. Last year, the most populous country provided around $7.86 billion for shipbuilding and the maritime ecosystem. The package includes investments in shipyards, maritime skills and legal reforms. A “National Shipbuilding Mission” was set up to coordinate the projects. In addition, the previously announced Maritime Development Fund was given the green light: this provides for government funding of $2.26 billion as well as an interest subsidy fund of $563 million to improve project financing.
Another instrument is the “Shipbuilding Development Scheme” (SbDS) with a budget of $2.25 billion. The aim is to expand domestic construction capacity to 4.5 million GT per year, promote large-scale clusters for shipbuilding and create a new center of excellence with the India Ship Technology Center at the India Maritime University.
The government sees the program not only as a boost for the competitiveness of shipbuilding, but also as a contribution to national and energy security through more stable supply chains and sea routes.
