Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) has signed its first newbuild contract for six IMO Type II chemical tankers, marking a significant milestone for India’s commercial shipbuilding sector. The order is valued at $227 million and was awarded by European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS. This marks one of India’s largest single commercial shipbuilding contracts and the country’s first chemical tanker order placed with a domestic shipyard.
The agreement also includes an option for six additional vessels, further solidifying SDHI’s position in the industry. The contract was secured after a comprehensive technical and commercial evaluation by Rederiet Stenersen AS. This new development underscores global confidence in India's growing commercial shipbuilding ecosystem, which has been enabled by progressive maritime policies such as the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance scheme.
The order is a testament to SDHI’s infrastructure, engineering capabilities, and readiness to deliver specialized vessels that meet global standards while remaining cost competitive. With this milestone, SDHI is poised to become a state-of-the-art shipbuilding hub, marking a historic shift in the country's commercial shipbuilding sector. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery within 33 months, with subsequent ships to follow at regular intervals.
Each tanker will be approximately 150 metres long with a beam of about 23 metres. The vessels will be designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design & Engineering and classed by DNV. Built to Ice Class 1A standards, the ships will feature dual-fuel LNG-ready hybrid propulsion systems and high levels of automation.
This order is a significant achievement for SDHI and a strong endorsement of India’s growing commercial shipbuilding ecosystem. The agreement brings together two prominent players in the industry, with Rederiet Stenersen AS expressing confidence in SDHI's infrastructure, engineering capabilities, and readiness to deliver specialized vessels that meet global standards while remaining cost competitive.
This order is a significant milestone for India's commercial shipbuilding sector, marking a shift towards becoming a major player in the global industry. With this contract, SDHI is poised to capitalize on progressive maritime policies and invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure, paving the way for future growth and success.
