Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Secures Major Tanker Order from European Client

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited Secures Major Chemical Tanker Order

In a monumental step forward, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has announced the culmination of its first newbuild contract for the construction of six IMO Type II chemical tankers. Each tanker, designed to carry 18,000 DWT (
Deadweight Tonnage), is valued at an impressive USD 227 million and will be built at the company's revitalized shipyard located in Gujarat, India by the leading European shipping firm, Rederiet Stenersen AS. This order not only marks SDHI's entry into high-stakes vessel construction but also represents the largest ever chemical tanker order secured by an Indian shipyard, solidifying the country's emerging prominence in the global maritime industry.

This contract also includes an option for Rederiet Stenersen AS to order an additional six sister vessels, reflecting confidence in SDHI's capabilities. The inaugural vessel from this groundbreaking contract is scheduled for delivery within 33 months, with subsequent ships to follow at regular intervals. The innovative design and construction will be carried out in collaboration with Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design Engineering, while DNV will oversee the classification, ensuring that these vessels meet the highest international standards.

The chemical tankers are to be constructed to Ice Class 1A standards, a necessity for operations in icy waters, thereby enhancing their versatility and expanding their operational use. Notably, the vessels will be equipped with advanced dual-fuel LNG-ready hybrid propulsion systems, which not only increases fuel efficiency but also supports diverse operational modes, backed by a high degree of automation.

Vivek Merchant, Director of SDHI, emphasized that this contract signifies a pivotal moment in the shipyard’s evolution towards becoming a state-of-the-art shipbuilding hub. He stated, “The order from Rederiet Stenersen AS underscores international faith in our ability to deliver future-ready, high-quality vessels. This remarkable agreement is a celebration of SDHI's capabilities and a strong endorsement of India’s flourishing commercial shipbuilding ecosystem.”

He further highlighted the impact of progressive maritime policies, which include financial assistance schemes for shipbuilding, enabling Indian private yards like SDHI to compete against established global players. Merchant expressed gratitude to Rederiet Stenersen AS for their trust and commitment as they embark on this significant partnership, marking a new chapter in India's shipbuilding narrative.

It’s worth noting that this order comes as the first newbuild contract at India’s largest shipyard since its revitalization under the management of Swan Corp Limited. John Stenersen, Director of Ship Management at Rederiet Stenersen AS, shed light on the decision-making process that led to this partnership. He remarked, “Our commitment to SDHI represents our first newbuilding contract with an Indian shipyard, following comprehensive technical assessments. This reflects our solid trust in SDHI’s infrastructure and engineering proficiencies, ensuring that they can provide specialized vessels aligned with our global standards while maintaining cost-effectiveness.”

SDHI, formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, has positioned itself as a key player in India’s shipbuilding and heavy fabrication sector. Operating one of the country’s largest dry docks, measuring 662 m x 65 m, SDHI has the fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes annually, fostering an environment where ambition can flourish and industry demands can be met efficiently.

With this landmark order, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited is set not only to enhance its own portfolio but also to contribute significantly to the strengthening of India's reputation in global maritime commerce. This move also aligns with the broader national objective of promoting and fostering indigenous manufacturing in key industrial sectors, ensuring that India transcends its historical challenges in maritime production and asserts itself as a formidable entity on the international stage.