In a significant development aligning with India's aspirations to establish itself as a prominent global shipping hub, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) has successfully secured an international shipbuilding order. Wilson ASA, a prominent European player in the short-sea market, has chosen UCSL to supply them with six state-of-the-art diesel electric cargo vessels. This order represents a positive step towards strengthening India's presence in the international shipping industry.

According to reports, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has been awarded a project worth Rs 580 crore to construct six "future-proof dry cargo vessels." The vessels, designed by Conoship International in the Netherlands, are specifically tailored for transporting general cargo in European inland and coastal waters.

The design features electro motors, diesel generator sets, and a large-diameter propeller, ensuring optimal efficiency and fuel consumption. This development highlights India's growing prowess in shipbuilding and its aspirations to establish a prominent position in the global shipping industry.

According to the information provided, the initial vessel is scheduled for delivery by December 2024, followed by the completion of all deliveries by March 2026.

Wilson ASA, headquartered in Bergen, Norway, operates the largest short-sea fleet in Europe. With a fleet of approximately 130 vessels ranging from 1,500 to 8,500 DWT, Wilson ASA facilitates the transportation of around 15 million tonnes of dry cargo across Europe.

India's foray into short-sea shipping has resulted in a surprising reversal of trends, with the country now supplying "green ships" to traditional shipbuilding nations like Norway, Germany, and the US. Cochin Shipyard, a state-run company, has made remarkable strides in sustainable shipping, delivering two fully electric cargo ferries to Norway and securing contracts for methanol-powered vessels. They have also signed agreements to construct container vessels powered by green hydrogen.

Furthermore, Cochin Shipyard has obtained a contract to provide eight eco-friendly multi-purpose vessels to HS Schiffahrts Gruppe, marking their entry into the European short-sea shipping market. This development is expected to pave the way for additional orders from European clients for Indian shipyards, according to Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

“Most advanced countries are placing orders for vessels with Indian companies. This is a clear indication that ‘make in India’ is becoming successful and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative is getting strengthened," Sonowal said.

Image source: India Seatrade News