Swan Defence secures contracts to complete five OSVs and defence vessels, accelerating the revival of India’s Pipavav yard.
India’s shipbuilding revival gathered momentum as Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) announced fresh progress at its Pipavav facility, bringing long-stalled projects back to life nearly a decade after operations collapsed under previous ownership.
The yard at Pipavav, formerly operated by the Reliance Group, has secured a contract to complete five offshore supply vessels (OSVs) originally ordered in 2009. The vessels had remained idle for years after construction was halted in 2017 amid financial distress and eventual bankruptcy.
SDHI said it had first sold the hulls of the five incomplete OSVs and has now received the mandate to finish their construction. The vessels were part of a larger order for 12 OSVs placed by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, of which seven were delivered before the earlier operator’s collapse delayed the remaining five.
The unfinished OSVs were acquired on an “as is, where is” basis by San Maritime India, which operates a fleet of more than 40 vessels. San Maritime has now contracted SDHI to complete the ships, marking the second recent deal aimed at clearing legacy projects at the yard.
In parallel, SDHI also reported a defence export order linked to the Government of Oman. The order includes the completion of a partially built training vessel originally commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard before the yard’s bankruptcy. The ship is now destined for the Royal Navy of Oman and is expected to be delivered within 18 months.
The 104-metre vessel, with an approximate displacement of 3,500 tonnes, will feature modern classrooms, training offices, and accommodation for up to 70 officer cadets. It will be equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems and will be capable of helicopter operations.
Under new leadership, SDHI is positioning itself as a cornerstone of India’s ambition to become a global shipbuilding hub. In January, the company booked India’s first chemical tanker export order, securing a $227 million contract from Rederiet Stenersen to build six 18,000 dwt chemical tankers. Each vessel will measure 150 metres, be built to Ice Class 1A standards and feature LNG-ready dual-fuel hybrid propulsion.
The company said the orders reinforce India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, supported by recent incentive and financial assistance measures rolled out by the Government of India. SDHI added that its revival strategy focuses on building a robust domestic shipbuilding ecosystem, creating opportunities for local vendors and service providers as India scales up its maritime manufacturing footprint.
Source: The Maritime Executive
