Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy fabrication firm, has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Norwegian ship owner Rederiet Stenersen AS for the construction of six 18,000 DWT IMO Type II chemical tankers valued at around USD 220 million. The deal also includes an option for six additional vessels, underscoring a major boost for India’s shipbuilding export capabilities.
The vessels will be built at SDHI’s Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat, one of India’s most advanced maritime facilities. Designed by Norway-based Marinform AS and classed by DNV, the tankers will feature Ice Class 1A certification and hybrid propulsion systems. The design allows future conversion to methanol or LNG fuel, along with provisions for 5,000-kWh battery upgrades — enhancing environmental performance and operational flexibility.
Commenting on the development, Vivek Merchant, Director at SDHI, said, “This partnership represents a defining moment for Indian shipbuilding — our first major export of advanced chemical tankers to Norway. It reflects global confidence in India’s shipbuilding capabilities and SDHI’s commitment to delivering world-class, future-ready vessels.”
The signing ceremony was attended by Merchant, Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena (retd), CEO of SDHI, and Rederiet Stenersen’s representatives, Sigve and John Stenersen. Delivery timelines and commercial details will be finalized in the subsequent shipbuilding contract.
Founded in 1974, Rederiet Stenersen AS operates a fleet of 19 chemical and product tankers across Northern Europe, known for stringent environmental compliance. SDHI, formerly Reliance Naval and Engineering Ltd, operates India’s largest dry dock and has a fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes per annum, strengthening its role in India’s push toward global shipbuilding leadership.
