The Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) has delivered its first green cargo vessel to Wilson Ship Management AS, a leading short-sea shipping operator based in Norway.
The delivery of the Wilson Eco 1 marks a historic milestone in the nation’s growing capabilities in building sustainable and eco-friendly ships, aligning with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative to promote indigenous manufacturing and export of cutting-edge green technologies. The Wilson Eco 1, a 3,800 DWT vessel, was formally handed over on Wednesday at the New Mangalore Port during a ceremony attended by key figures from the shipping, shipbuilding, and maritime regulatory sectors. This ship, which forms part of a broader collaboration with Norway’s green funding programme for sustainable maritime transport, represents India’s entry into the competitive European market for eco-friendly cargo carriers.
The first delivery in a series of six vessels, Wilson Eco 1 has been built at an estimated project cost of Rs 506 crore. The ship’s delivery also led to a follow-up order from Wilson Ship Management AS for an additional eight 6,300 DWT general cargo vessels, further cementing the strategic Indo-Norwegian partnership in green shipping solutions. The total value of the new order is estimated at Rs 1,041 crore. A major technological feat, the Wilson Eco 1 is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, designed to be “future-proofed” for upgrades including wind-foil units and battery hybridisation. The ship is engineered to operate in all-weather conditions and is built to sail across inland and coastal European waters, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maintaining optimal efficiency.
At a length of 89.43 metres and a beam of 13.2 metres, the vessel can operate at a cruising speed of 10.5 knots using just 750 kW of propulsion power. Classed by Bureau Veritas and flagged by Norway, the ship sets a new standard for green maritime engineering. Its advanced propulsion technology and design are a testament to the growing capabilities of Indian shipbuilders in delivering sustainable and high-performance vessels to global markets. The construction of the Wilson Eco 1 generated direct employment for more than 800 individuals and involved an extensive network of Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Furthermore, UCSL collaborated with national skill development agencies to train and certify 100–150 workers in diesel-electric marine systems, contributing to the development of a highly skilled workforce for future green shipbuilding projects.
“The successful delivery of Wilson Eco 1 signifies a monumental step for India’s shipbuilding sector,” stated an official from UCSL. “Not only does it reflect our growing expertise in constructing complex, eco-friendly vessels, but it also showcases the country’s shift from being a buyer of advanced maritime solutions to a leading builder and exporter of green technology.” UCSL, which was formerly known as TEBMA Shipyards Ltd., was revived after a 2020 acquisition by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Since its revival, UCSL has made significant strides in delivering innovative maritime solutions, including aluminium ferries for the Kochi Water Metro and ocean-going tugs under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme. These accomplishments underscore the company’s pivotal role in India’s journey towards self-reliance in the maritime sector.
The partnership between UCSL and Wilson Ship Management AS highlights the growing importance of sustainable shipping solutions in the global maritime industry. Europe, particularly Norway, is known for its progressive stance on environmental sustainability, and the delivery of Wilson Eco 1 serves as a clear example of how international partnerships can drive the adoption of greener technologies in global shipping operations. Industry experts have praised the vessel’s design and the partnership as a win for both India and Norway in advancing global maritime sustainability. “The increasing focus on reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping industry is driving demand for innovative solutions. India’s entry into this space is an exciting development, and the successful delivery of the Wilson Eco 1 is a testament to the capabilities of Indian shipbuilders,” said a maritime industry expert.
As India continues to position itself as a global leader in green technologies, the shipbuilding sector is expected to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth. With its deep expertise in engineering and manufacturing, India is poised to become a key player in the growing global market for sustainable maritime solutions. The successful delivery of the Wilson Eco 1 is not only a proud achievement for UCSL but also an important step in India’s broader goal of achieving environmental sustainability and self-reliance in critical industries. This achievement also marks a significant shift in the maritime industry, which has historically been a major contributor to global carbon emissions. As environmental regulations tighten across the world, India’s contribution to green shipping offers a promising glimpse of the future of maritime transport. The delivery of Wilson Eco 1 exemplifies the potential of Indian shipbuilding to drive positive change and lead the way in sustainable global trade.
India’s maritime industry is undeniably on the cusp of a transformation, and the successful delivery of the Wilson Eco 1 is a clear indicator that the nation is ready to take on the challenges of building a greener and more sustainable future for global shipping.
India Maritime Industry Delivers First Green Vessel to Norway
