Swan Defence and Heavy Industries signs $220 mn deal to build 6 advanced chemical tankers for Norway’s Rederiet Stenersen

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company, has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with European ship owner and operator Rederiet Stenersen AS for construction of 6 (six) nos IMO Type II chemical tankers, each of 18,000 DWT capacity.

The LoI marks a defining moment for India’s shipbuilding export, covering six vessels valued at approximately $220 million, with an option for additional six ships to follow under the same class, the company said in a press release.

The vessels will be built at SDHI’s facility in Pipavav, Gujarat. The vessels will be designed by Marinform AS & StoGda, Norway, and classed by DNV. Each ship will be built to Ice Class 1A standards and feature an advanced hybrid propulsion system. The hybrid system supports operational modes with advanced automation for improved manoeuvrability, lower emissions, and operational flexibility.


Vivek Merchant, Director, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) said “This partnership marks a defining moment for SDHI and for Indian shipbuilding — our first major export of advanced chemical tankers to Norway. We see this as a step towards realizing India’s maritime ambitions by building large and complex vessels across tankers, bulkers, and specialized segments. The trust placed in us by Rederiet Stenersen AS reflects global confidence in India’s shipbuilding capabilities and SDHI’s commitment to deliver world-class, future-ready vessels.”