Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has announced a major milestone with the signing of its first newbuild contract for six IMO Type II chemical tankers, marking a significant step in India’s commercial shipbuilding journey. The vessels, each with a deadweight tonnage of 18,000 DWT, will be constructed at SDHI’s revitalised shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat, reinforcing the yard’s return to large-scale, high-value shipbuilding.
The contract, valued at USD 227 million, has been awarded by leading European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS and is being seen as one of the largest single commercial shipbuilding orders placed with an Indian shipyard. Importantly, this is also the first and largest chemical tanker order ever awarded to an Indian yard, underlining SDHI’s growing capabilities in delivering technologically advanced and complex commercial vessels to global standards.
As part of the agreement, there is an option for an additional six sister vessels, which could further enhance the order size and long-term visibility for the Pipavav facility. The first tanker is scheduled for delivery within 33 months, with the remaining vessels to be delivered at regular intervals thereafter. Each ship will have an overall length of around 150 metres and a beam of approximately 23 metres, aligning with international specifications for modern chemical tankers.
The vessels will be designed by Marinform AS in collaboration with StoGda Ship Design & Engineering, ensuring compliance with the latest safety, efficiency and environmental norms. Classification will be provided by DNV, one of the world’s leading classification societies, adding further credibility to the project.
Built to Ice Class 1A standards, the chemical tankers will be equipped with advanced dual-fuel LNG-ready hybrid propulsion systems. This setup will allow multiple operational modes and improved fuel efficiency, supported by high levels of automation. The design focus reflects increasing global demand for environmentally responsible shipping solutions and positions SDHI strongly in the evolving green maritime ecosystem.