SDHI, Wheel & Time sign deal for F.A.S.T logistics ecosystem
Indian shipyard to offer an end-to-end ecosystem across fabrication, assembly, storage and transportation for 1st time.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Wheel & Time Shipping Transport Logistics, a specialist in moving heavy and oversized cargo.
With the alliance, SDHI has launched India’s first integrated fabrication, assembly, storage and transportation (F.A.S.T) commercial logistics ecosystem at its shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat, says an official release.
"The F.A.S.T. model offers an unmatched turnkey ecosystem for executing heavy engineering projects in India by bringing together SDHI’s advanced fabrication and waterfront infrastructure and Wheel & Time’s end-to-end heavy logistics capabilities. The partnership will benefit high-value, time-sensitive projects and will target clientele dealing with material handling equipment at ports, marine infrastructure, petrochemicals, offshore EPC, oil & gas infrastructure and heavy engineering."
Vivek Merchant, Director, SDHI says: "Newbuilds, ship repairs and heavy fabrication are central to SDHI’s growth plans. With strong capabilities in shipbuilding and repairs, this partnership with Wheel & Time Shipping Transport Logistics enhances our heavy engineering operations. Together, we can offer customers a more integrated, end-to-end solution. The F.A.S.T. logistics ecosystem allows EPC contractors and heavy industry players to concentrate on innovation and last-mile delivery, while we manage the complexities from fabrication to transportation."
Gautamraj Sharma, Managing Director, Wheel & Time Shipping Transport Logistics adds: "We are elated to partner with SDHI. We believe our collaboration with them brings together the best of deep fabrication infrastructure and robust logistics know-how. The F.A.S.T. logistics ecosystem will enable clients to de-risk projects and improve certainty across timelines, execution, and delivery."
Spread over 600 acres with 1.2 kilometres of developed waterfront, SDHI has India’s largest dry dock with a capacity to fabricate and assemble structures of 10,000 tonnes per month, the release added.
