Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) announced the signing of its first newbuild shipbuilding contract for the construction of six (6) IMO Type II chemical tankers, each of 18,000 DWT, to be built at its revitalised shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat. Valued at USD 227 million, the contract has been awarded by leading European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS and represents one of the largest single commercial shipbuilding orders placed in India.
SDHI stated that this is the first and the largest chemical tanker order awarded to an Indian shipyard, reflecting increasing global confidence in India’s shipbuilding infrastructure and execution capability for specialised vessels. The agreement includes an option for the customer to place an additional order for up to six (6) sister vessels, providing a potential pipeline for further expansion of the program.
As per the announced timeline, the first vessel is scheduled for delivery within 33 months, with subsequent vessels planned for delivery at regular intervals. Each tanker will have an overall length of approximately 150 metres and 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 vessels will feature advanced dual-fuel LNG-ready hybrid propulsion, enabling multiple operating modes supported by a high degree of automation.
Commenting on the order, Vivek Merchant, Director, SDHI, said the contract marks a defining milestone in the shipyard’s revival journey. He highlighted that the order underscores the international market’s trust in SDHI’s engineering readiness, infrastructure and delivery capability, and strengthens India’s growing commercial shipbuilding ecosystem. He also acknowledged policy support measures such as the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance scheme, which has helped Indian private shipyards remain competitive against global peers.
John Stenersen, Director – Ship Management, Rederiet Stenersen AS, stated that the decision followed extensive technical and commercial evaluation. He noted that the contract is the customer’s first newbuilding order placed with an Indian shipyard, reflecting confidence in SDHI’s capabilities while maintaining cost competitiveness. The contract follows a previously signed Letter of Intent in November 2025.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, is a leading name in India’s shipbuilding and heavy engineering sector. Strategically located on the west coast of India, the shipyard houses the country’s largest dry dock (662m x 65m) and boasts an annual fabrication capacity of 164,000 tons. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and safety, SDHI continues to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s maritime and industrial capabilities.
