The Indian government's push to boost domestic shipbuilding is gaining momentum with the completion of five offshore support vessels by Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI).
This project is part of SDHI's acquisition plan for Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, which was previously acquired through India's National Company Law Tribunal process.
The hulls were subsequently acquired by San Maritime from SDHI, marking a significant step in the revival of the Pipavav shipyard. The vessels are expected to serve offshore industry demand after completion under IR Class standards.
Construction of the vessels had originally started under previous ownership, and the revived shipyard will now complete the units, strengthening Indian-flag tonnage and offshore capability.
The project aligns with the Government of India's efforts to promote indigenous, self-reliant shipbuilding through financial assistance and incentive schemes. This push is expected to have a positive impact on the country's maritime industry.
Located on India's west coast, the Pipavav yard operates what is described as the country's largest dry dock, measuring 662 meters by 65 meters, along with other facilities that support vessel construction and maintenance.
The completion of these five offshore support vessels will create maritime jobs and support local vendors and service providers within the shipbuilding ecosystem. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the Indian economy.
SDHI has a fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes per year and positions itself as a key player in India's shipbuilding and heavy fabrication sector. The company's efforts are part of its strategy to contribute to the country's growing maritime industry.
The revival of the Pipavav shipyard is a testament to the Indian government's commitment to promoting domestic shipbuilding and supporting the growth of the maritime sector.
The revival of the Pipavav shipyard marks a significant step towards advancing indigenous, self-reliant shipbuilding in India.
