In a major boost to India’s shipbuilding and green maritime ambitions, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has secured a prestigious order to construct the country’s first ammonia dual-fuel bulk carriers, signalling a significant transition towards sustainable and future-ready shipping solutions.
The order has been awarded by Energy ONE Limited and involves the construction of four large bulk carriers, each with a carrying capacity of 92,500 deadweight tonnes (DWT). These vessels will be among the largest commercial ships ever built at an Indian shipyard, reflecting the growing technical capability and scale of the domestic shipbuilding industry.
Advancing green shipping in India
This project marks a crucial turning point for India’s maritime sector, as ammonia emerges as a promising alternative marine fuel in the global push to reduce carbon emissions. Unlike conventional fuels, ammonia has the potential to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key component in the shipping industry’s decarbonisation roadmap.
By undertaking the construction of ammonia dual-fuel vessels, India is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation shipbuilding, aligning with international sustainability goals and evolving environmental regulations.
Vessel specifications and technical capabilities
Each of the four vessels will feature advanced design and engineering specifications, including:
- Length: 229.5 metres
- Beam: 37 metres
- Capacity: 92,500 DWT
- Fuel system: Ammonia dual-fuel propulsion
The ships will be designed by KMS EMEC and classified by Det Norske Veritas, ensuring compliance with global safety, design, and environmental standards.
Strengthening India’s shipbuilding ecosystem
Speaking on the development, Vivek Merchant, Director at SDHI, highlighted that winning the project reflects growing global confidence in India’s shipbuilding capabilities. He noted that ammonia-based propulsion is still at an early stage globally, making this project both technically challenging and strategically important.
The construction will take place at SDHI’s shipyard in Pipavav on India’s west coast, a facility known for its large-scale infrastructure, including a 662-metre dry dock and an annual fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes, enabling it to handle complex and high-capacity shipbuilding projects.
Delivery timeline and future outlook
The first vessel under the contract is expected to be delivered by October 2029, with the remaining three ships scheduled for delivery at intervals of approximately four months. This phased execution highlights the long-term nature of the project and the sustained demand for green vessels.
The order is backed by New Energy One, a green shipping investment fund supported by Energy ONE Limited, which has outlined a $2 billion capital programme focused on zero-emission vessels. The fund is also collaborating with Sagarmala Finance Corporation to co-invest in sustainable maritime projects in India.
A step towards maritime sustainability
This development not only strengthens India’s position in global shipbuilding but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable maritime practices. As the global shipping industry accelerates its transition towards cleaner fuels, projects like this place India firmly on the map as a key player in the future of green shipping.
With increasing focus on decarbonisation, innovation, and infrastructure development, the success of this project could open the door for more advanced vessel construction in India, driving both economic growth and environmental responsibility in the maritime sector.
