#India #Shipbuilding #Gujarat #Swan Defence #Rederiet Stenersen

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited Secures Major Chemical Tanker Order

Key Details of the Announcement

On January 26, 2026, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) made an important announcement regarding the signing of its first contract for constructing six chemical tankers to be delivered to the European shipping company Rederiet Stenersen AS. This substantial deal, valued at approximately USD 227 million, is a landmark achievement for SDHI as it marks the first order for chemical tankers awarded to an Indian shipyard. This contract not only reflects the growing capabilities of Indian shipbuilding but also demonstrates the increasing global trust in SDHI's competence in delivering world-class commercial vessels.

The six vessels will be built at SDHI's state-of-the-art shipyard located in Gujarat, India. Notably, the contract comes with an option for six additional sister ships, which further underscores the confidence placed in SDHI’s engineering and manufacturing prowess. The first vessel is projected to be delivered within 33 months, with subsequent units to follow at regular intervals.

Advanced Design and Specifications

The tankers are designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design Engineering and will be classified by DNV. They are engineered to Ice Class 1A standards, ensuring their reliability in harsh operating conditions. The vessels will feature a hybrid dual-fuel propulsion system that is LNG-ready, allowing for diverse operational modes supported by advanced automation capabilities. This design fidelity ensures that the vessels are not only efficient but also meet international sustainability standards.

Statements from Company Executives

Vivek Merchant, the director of SDHI, remarked, "This historic milestone marks a new chapter for our shipyard, which is on its way to becoming a leading center for advanced shipbuilding. The contract with Rederiet Stenersen AS illustrates global confidence in our ability to deliver high-quality, future-ready vessels. This achievement is significant not only for SDHI but also for the expanding commercial shipbuilding ecosystem in India." He emphasized the support of progressive maritime policies in India, including shipbuilding financial aid regimes that enable private shipyards to compete globally.

Additionally, John Stenersen, Director of Ship Management at Rederiet Stenersen AS, stated, "This is our first contract for new ship construction with an Indian shipyard, following a thorough technical and commercial evaluation. Our decision reflects great confidence in SDHI's infrastructure, engineering capabilities, and ability to deliver specialized vessels that meet Stenersen's global standards while being cost-competitive."

About Swan Defence and Heavy Industries

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited, formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, stands as a prominent player in the shipbuilding and heavy manufacturing sector in India. The shipyard is home to India’s largest dry dock measuring 662 m × 65 m, with a robust capacity for fabricating 164,000 tons of marine structures per year. This recent contract showcases SDHI's commitment to advancing Indian shipbuilding on the global stage.

For more information, visit www.sdhi.co.in. For media inquiries, please reach out via [email protected]