#India #Gujarat #Swan Defence #Rederiet Stenersen

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited Earns Major Tanker Order

In a landmark achievement for the Indian maritime industry, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has recently secured its first newbuild contract for six IMO Type II chemical tankers. This landmark order, valued at USD 227 million, comes from the esteemed European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS. Each vessel will boast a deadweight tonnage of 18,000 DWT, and they will be constructed at SDHI's revitalized shipyard located in Gujarat, India.

A Testament to India's Growing Shipbuilding Prowess

This contract marks a significant endorsement of India’s burgeoning shipbuilding ecosystem, as it represents the first and largest chemical tanker order ever awarded to an Indian shipyard. The agreement also includes an option for an additional six sister vessels, a testament to the confidence Rederiet Stenersen AS has in SDHI's capabilities.

The innovative new vessels are scheduled for delivery within 33 months, with subsequent deliveries timed at regular intervals thereafter. They will be designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design Engineering, and obtain classification from DNV. SDHI's commitment to advanced technology is evident as the tankers will be built according to the Ice Class 1A standards. This modern design will feature a dual-fuel LNG-ready hybrid propulsion system, facilitating multiple operational modes optimized by high levels of automation.

SDHI Director Vivek Merchant expressed excitement over this historical milestone, emphasizing that it reflects a new era for the shipyard as it transforms into a state-of-the-art shipbuilding hub. He noted that this significant achievement not only showcases SDHI's proficiency in delivering future-ready vessels but also highlights India's evolving position within the global commercial shipping landscape.

Strategic Initiatives Driving Growth

Merchant attributed this success to India's progressive maritime policies, particularly the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance scheme, which enables Indian private shipyards to effectively compete with renowned global counterparts. He extended gratitude to Rederiet Stenersen AS for placing their trust in SDHI, marking the beginning of a productive partnership.

This groundbreaking order is especially noteworthy as it comes after the revitalization of India's largest shipyard under the new management of Swan Corp Limited, the parent company of SDHI. John Stenersen, Director of Ship Management at Rederiet Stenersen AS, highlighted that this contract is the first newbuilding agreement signed with an Indian shipyard after a thorough technical and commercial assessment. His comments underscore the strong confidence in SDHI's infrastructure and engineering capabilities, positioning the yard as a viable contender for constructing specialized vessels that adhere to global standards while maintaining cost competitiveness.

About Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited

Formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited is a top-tier shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company in India. The shipyard is distinguished by operating India’s largest dry dock, measuring 662 m × 65 m, and boasts an impressive fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes per annum.

This recent milestone signifies not only an accomplishment for SDHI but a promising outlook for India's maritime sector, paving the way for future advancements and opportunities in shipbuilding. Further information can be found on SDHI’s website at www.sdhi.co.in.


An aerial view of Swan Defence and Heavy Industries' shipyard in Gujarat, India.