SDHI signs LoI with Rederiet Stenersen for six chemical tankers

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has signed a Letter of Intent with European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS for the construction of six IMO Type II chemical tankers, each with a capacity of 18,000 DWT. The agreement, valued at around USD 220 million, covers six vessels with an option for six more under the same class. The tankers will be built at SDHI’s shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat, marking a key development in India’s shipbuilding export efforts.

The ships will be designed by Marinform AS of Norway and classed by DNV. Each vessel will be built to Ice Class 1A standards and will include a hybrid propulsion system. The hybrid system is designed to improve manoeuvrability, reduce emissions, and provide operational flexibility through advanced automation.

The vessels are designed for methanol or LNG fuel conversion and can accommodate battery upgrades of up to 5,000 kWh. This allows future enhancement in environmental performance and adaptability to alternate fuels and energy technologies.

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 realising India’s maritime ambitions by building large and complex vessels across tankers, bulkers, and specialised 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.”

The Letter of Intent was signed in the presence of Vivek Merchant and Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena (retd), CEO of SDHI, along with Sigve Stenersen and John Stenersen representing Rederiet Stenersen AS. Detailed commercial terms and delivery schedules will be finalised in the forthcoming shipbuilding contract.

Rederiet Stenersen AS, established in 1974, operates a fleet of 19 chemical and product tankers ranging from 16,000 to 19,000 DWT, mainly trading in Northern Europe. The company is known for maintaining high standards of vessel quality and environmental compliance.

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, is a leading Indian shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company. Located on the west coast of India, its Pipavav yard features the country’s largest dry dock and a fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes per year. The company focuses on innovation, safety, and sustainability in maritime and industrial manufacturing.