Swan Defence Secures Historic $227M Chemical Tanker Order from Europe's Rederiet Stenersen
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) secured a landmark $227 million contract from Europe's Rederiet Stenersen AS for six IMO Type II chemical tankers. This first newbuild order for SDHI will be constructed at its revitalized Gujarat shipyard, marking the largest chemical tanker deal for an Indian yard. The 18,000 DWT vessels, designed with advanced dual-fuel LNG ready propulsion, include an option for six additional ships, highlighting India's growing commercial shipbuilding prowess.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has achieved a significant milestone by securing its first newbuild contract, a $227 million deal with European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS. The agreement entails the construction of six IMO Type II chemical tankers, each weighing 18,000 DWT, at SDHI's revitalized shipyard in Gujarat, India. This landmark order is notable as the first and largest chemical tanker contract ever awarded to an Indian shipyard, underscoring SDHI's enhanced capabilities in delivering complex, world-class commercial vessels.The The contract also includes an option for an additional six sister vessels, with the first delivery anticipated within 33 months. These advanced tankers will be designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design & Engineering, classed by DNV, and built to Ice Class 1A standards. They will feature state-of-the-art dual-fuel LNG ready hybrid propulsion systems, allowing for multiple operational modes and high levels of automation.Vivek Merchant, Director at SDHI, emphasized that this order is a historic step towards establishing the shipyard as a premier shipbuilding hub and reflects global confidence in their ability to produce future-ready, high-quality vessels. He also highlighted the positive impact of progressive maritime policies, such as the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance scheme, in enabling Indian shipyards to compete internationally. John Stenersen, Director - Ship Management for Rederiet Stenersen AS, confirmed their decision was based on a comprehensive technical and commercial evaluation, expressing strong confidence in SDHI's infrastructure, engineering prowess, and cost-competitiveness. SDHI, formerly Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, operates India's largest dry dock, reinforcing its position in the heavy fabrication and shipbuilding industry. This deal significantly boosts India's commercial shipbuilding ecosystem.
