SDHI signs exclusive MoU with Royal IHC to boost offshore vessel building in India
The collaboration aims to deliver cost-competitive, world-class offshore vessels for oil, gas, and renewable energy markets.;
Ashwin Sinha, Director, Alar Infrastructure; Derk te Bokkel, CEO, Royal IHC and Ram Mohan Baliga, Senior GM, Commercial, SDHI on the occasion of signing the MoU.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company, has signed an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with European offshore oil and gas vessel leader Royal IHC. The agreement, also involving Alar Infrastructure, the Indian representative of Royal IHC, aims to design, build, and retrofit offshore oil and gas vessels and other specialised vessels in India.
The partnership will focus on building Offshore Construction Vessels, Pipe Laying Vessels, and Multi-Purpose Offshore Support Vessels at SDHI’s shipyard in Pipavav Port, Gujarat. The collaboration supports the Government of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by strengthening indigenous shipbuilding and improving cost competitiveness.
The deal brings together Royal IHC’s global expertise in design, engineering, equipment, and project management with SDHI’s advanced infrastructure, skilled workforce, and resources. This joint effort is expected to strengthen India’s shipbuilding capabilities and enhance its position as a competitive player in the global industry.
Vivek Merchant, Director, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, said the partnership comes at a time of rising demand for offshore vessels that can serve both oil and gas and renewable energy markets. He noted that the collaboration will allow SDHI to address these opportunities with world-class capabilities and competitive solutions.
Derk te Bokkel, CEO of Royal IHC, said the agreement marks an important step in expanding the company’s presence in Asia by working with India’s largest shipyard. He added that the partnership will deliver advanced offshore solutions to meet the changing needs of the global energy market.
Located on India’s west coast, SDHI’s shipyard houses the country’s largest dry dock, measuring 662 metres by 65 metres, and has a fabrication capacity of 144,000 tonnes per annum. This provides a significant advantage in meeting India’s maritime and industrial ambitions.