SDHI Secures Landmark $227M Chemical Tanker Contract from Rederiet Stenersen
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) secured its inaugural newbuild contract, valued at $227 million, for six IMO Type II chemical tankers from Rederiet Stenersen AS. These 18,000 DWT vessels, built at SDHI's revitalized Gujarat shipyard, mark India's largest chemical tanker order and SDHI's first major project post-revitalization. Featuring Ice Class 1A and dual-fuel LNG-ready propulsion, the agreement includes an option for six more ships, underscoring growing global confidence in Indian shipbuilding capabilities.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has announced a significant milestone, securing its first newbuild contract for six IMO Type II chemical tankers from leading European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS. The contract, valued at $227 million, involves constructing 18,000 deadweight ton (DWT) vessels at SDHI’s revitalized shipyard in Gujarat. This landmark deal is not only SDHI’s initial newbuild order but also the largest chemical tanker contract ever awarded to an Indian shipyard, signaling robust international confidence in India’s commercial shipbuilding prowess.The agreement includes an option for six additional sister vessels, ensuring a sustained production pipeline. The first tanker is slated for delivery within 33 months. Designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design and Engineering, and classed by DNV, these vessels will be built to Ice Class 1A standards, allowing operations in challenging cold-water environments. Crucially, they will incorporate advanced dual-fuel, LNG-ready hybrid propulsion systems, offering multiple operating modes and high levels of automation to meet future environmental regulations and efficiency demands.Vivek Merchant, Director at SDHI, emphasized that this contract represents a historic turning point for the shipyard and a strong international endorsement of SDHI’s capability to deliver high-quality, future-ready commercial vessels. He credited India's progressive maritime policies, such as the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance scheme, for enabling Indian private shipyards to compete globally. John Stenersen, Director – Ship Management at Rederiet Stenersen AS, confirmed this is their first newbuilding contract with an Indian shipyard, awarded after extensive technical and commercial evaluation, reflecting confidence in SDHI's infrastructure, engineering, and execution readiness. This project also signifies the first newbuild contract for India's largest shipyard following its revitalization under Swan Corp Limited.
