Mumbai: Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has announced the signing of its first newbuild contract for six IMO Type II chemical tankers, marking a major milestone in the company’s shipbuilding journey.
The vessels, each with a capacity of 18,000 DWT, will be constructed at SDHI’s revitalised shipyard in Gujarat, India.
Valued at USD 227 million, the contract has been awarded by leading European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS, representing the first and largest chemical tanker order placed with an Indian shipyard.
The agreement reinforces the growing global confidence in Swan Defence and Heavy Industries and its ability to deliver complex, world-class commercial vessels.
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Swan Defence and Heavy Industries to Build IMO Type II Chemical Tankers
The contract includes an option for an additional six sister vessels. Delivery of the first tanker is scheduled within 33 months, with subsequent vessels planned for delivery at regular intervals thereafter.
The tankers will be designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design & Engineering, and will be classed by DNV. Built to Ice Class 1A standards, the vessels will feature advanced dual-fuel LNG-ready hybrid propulsion systems, offering multiple operational modes supported by high levels of automation.
Commenting on the development, Vivek Merchant, Director, SDHI, said the agreement marks a significant step in the shipyard’s transformation into a state-of-the-art shipbuilding hub.
He noted that the order underscores international confidence in SDHI’s technical capabilities and highlights the progress of India’s commercial shipbuilding ecosystem, supported by policy initiatives such as the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance scheme.
This order represents the first newbuild contract at India’s largest shipyard following its revitalisation under the new management of Swan Corp Limited, the parent company of SDHI.
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John Stenersen, Director – Ship Management, Rederiet Stenersen AS, said the decision followed a comprehensive technical and commercial evaluation.
He stated that the company’s confidence in SDHI is based on its infrastructure, engineering strength, and readiness to deliver specialised vessels that meet global standards while remaining cost-competitive.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, is one of India’s leading shipbuilding and heavy fabrication companies.
The shipyard operates India’s largest dry dock, measuring 662 metres by 65 metres, and has a fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes per annum.
