SDHI Wins India's Landmark Chemical Tanker Order Valued at $227 Million

Published By DPRJ Universal | Published on Saturday, 24 January 2026

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) secured India's first and largest chemical tanker order, a $227 million contract from European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS. The deal involves building six 18,000 DWT IMO Type II chemical tankers at its Pipavav shipyard, with an option for six more. This landmark agreement, effective January 24, 2026, marks a significant milestone for India's commercial shipbuilding sector and SDHI's capabilities in delivering complex, high-value vessels.

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) announced on January 24, 2026, a groundbreaking contract marking India’s first-ever chemical tanker newbuild order. The deal, valued at USD 227 million, involves constructing six 18,000 DWT IMO Type II chemical tankers for leading European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS at SDHI’s revitalized shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat. This represents one of India’s largest single commercial shipbuilding orders and a significant endorsement of SDHI’s capacity to deliver complex, world-class commercial vessels.TheThe agreement also includes an option for an additional six sister vessels. The first delivery is slated within 33 months, with subsequent vessels following at regular intervals. Each tanker will measure approximately 150 meters in length and 23 meters in beam. Designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design & Engineering and classed by DNV, these vessels will adhere to Ice Class 1A standards and feature advanced dual-fuel LNG ready hybrid propulsion systems.Vivek Merchant, Director at SDHI, emphasized the historic nature of the milestone, highlighting global confidence in their ability to deliver future-ready vessels and attributing success to India's progressive maritime policies. John Stenersen, Director – Ship Management at Rederiet Stenersen AS, expressed strong confidence in SDHI's infrastructure and engineering capabilities, noting this is their first contract with an Indian shipyard following comprehensive evaluation. This order is the first newbuild contract for India’s largest shipyard under the new management of Swan Corp Limited, reinforcing India's growing commercial shipbuilding ecosystem.