Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Secures Major Chemical Tanker Order from Rederiet Stenersen AS

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited: A New Milestone in Maritime Engineering

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, has recently marked a significant milestone with the signing of its first newbuild contract for six chemical tankers. This $227 million agreement was sealed with the European shipping company, Rederiet Stenersen AS, highlighting SDHI’s capability to produce world-class commercial vessels.

A Significant Achievement for India’s Shipbuilding Sector

This contract represents not just a crucial achievement for SDHI but also underscores India’s growing stature in the global shipbuilding industry. The six tankers, each with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 18,000 and classified as IMO Type II, will be constructed at the company's revamped shipyard located in Gujarat, India. This order is the largest ever awarded to an Indian shipyard for chemical tankers, showcasing the trust international firms are placing in India's shipbuilding infrastructure.

The project also includes the option for six additional sister ships, providing SDHI with the potential for further expansion. The first tanker is scheduled to be delivered within 33 months, with subsequent deliveries planned at regular intervals thereafter.

Collaboration with Leading Design Firms

The chemical tankers will be designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design Engineering, ensuring high-quality and advanced maritime technology in their construction. Furthermore, the vessels will adhere to Ice Class 1A standards and will be equipped with a modern LNG-capable dual-fuel hybrid system, allowing for multiple operational modes with enhanced automation features. This dual-fuel technology will significantly improve the environmental performance and operational flexibility of the ships.

According to Vivek Merchant, Director of SDHI, this contract signifies a historic milestone in the shipyard's journey towards becoming a cutting-edge center for shipbuilding. He emphasized that the agreement with Rederiet Stenersen AS reflects a global confidence in SDHI's potential to deliver sustainable and high-quality ships. Merchant states, "This contract is not only a major success for SDHI but also a strong endorsement of India's growing ecosystem in commercial shipbuilding."

India's Competitive Edge

India’s advanced maritime policy, which includes financial assistance for shipbuilding, has allowed Indian private shipyards to compete successfully against leading global companies. The management believes this contract will further solidify SWDI's reputation as a capable shipbuilder and enhance its competitive standing globally.

John Stenersen, Director of Ship Management at Rederiet Stenersen AS, remarked that this is their first newbuilding contract awarded to an Indian shipyard following a comprehensive technical and economic evaluation. Stenersen noted, "Our decision reflects a strong trust in the infrastructure, technical capabilities, and the willingness of SWDI to deliver specialized vessels that meet Stenersen's global standards while remaining cost-effective."

Conclusion

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited stands at the forefront of a transformative era in Indian shipbuilding, evidenced by its recently awarded contract. The company's determination to enhance its technological prowess and commitment to quality position it as a noteworthy player in the maritime industry. As SDHI embarks on this significant journey, it’s clear that the future of shipbuilding in India is not just promising but pivotal on the global stage.