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India’s Revived Pipavav Shipyard Wins $220m Norwegian Chemical Tanker Order
India’s shipbuilding sector has scored a major breakthrough as Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) secured its first large-scale commercial deal since reviving the Pipavav shipyard. The company has signed a letter of intent with Norway’s Rederiet Stenersen for the construction of six 18,000 dwt IMO Type II chemical tankers, a contract valued at approximately $220 million.
The agreement also includes an option for six additional vessels, signalling strong confidence in SDHI’s upgraded capabilities and India’s renewed competitiveness in global shipbuilding.
Next-Generation Tankers Built for Low-Emission Sea Freight
The newbuildings will be constructed at SDHI’s Pipavav facility in Gujarat, India’s largest shipyard by dry dock capacity. The yard restarted operations last year under new ownership after emerging from bankruptcy, and this deal marks a significant milestone in its commercial comeback.
Designed by Norway’s Marinform and classed by DNV, the tankers will feature:
- Ice Class 1A hull strengthening for operations in harsher northern waters
- A hybrid propulsion system to reduce fuel consumption
- Advanced automation for improved manoeuvrability
- The ability to convert to methanol or LNG as alternative fuels
- Battery upgrade capability of up to 5,000 kWh
These technical features reflect the industry’s shift toward greener and more efficient sea freight operations, especially within the chemical and product tanker markets servicing Northern Europe.
A Landmark for Indian Shipbuilding
SDHI’s leadership described the deal as a major validation of India’s potential to compete with established builders in Korea, China, Japan, and Europe.
“This partnership marks a defining moment for SDHI and for Indian shipbuilding — our first major export of advanced chemical tankers to Norway,” said Vivek Merchant, Director at SDHI. “The trust placed in us reflects growing global confidence in India’s shipbuilding capabilities.”
The order also enhances India’s position in the global maritime supply chain, as the vessels will operate in demanding regions and contribute to long-distance sea freight networks linking Europe with other global markets.
Norwegian Owner Expands Eco-Efficient Fleet
Rederiet Stenersen, founded in 1974, operates a fleet of around 20 chemical and product tankers between 13,000 and 19,000 dwt, primarily trading in Northern Europe.
The new Indian-built vessels will support the company’s strategy to modernise its fleet with fuel-flexible, low-emission tonnage — a growing prerequisite for operators across the global sea freight and energy transportation sectors.
