Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has clinched a significant international order from Wilson ASA, Norway, for the design and construction of four 6300 Tonnes Deadweight (TDW) Dry Cargo Vessels. This follows a previous contract awarded in June 2023 for six 3800 TDW vessels, currently in advanced stages of construction at the Udupi yard.
The vessels, each measuring 100 metres and designed with a deadweight of 6300 Metric Tonnes at a draft of 6.5 metres, will be environmentally friendly diesel-electric vessels tailored for transporting general cargo in Europe’s coastal waters. Designed by Conoship International from the Netherlands, these vessels are part of an overarching project valued at approximately Rs 1,100 crores, slated for completion by September 2028. Wilson ASA, headquartered in Bergen, Norway, is a prominent operator in Europe’s short sea fleet, transporting about 15 million tonnes of dry cargo annually with a fleet of around 130 vessels ranging from 1500 to 8500 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage).
Since coming under the umbrella of Cochin Shipyard Limited, UCSL has demonstrated capability by delivering two 62T Bollard Pull Tugs to Ocean Sparkle Limited and one 70T Bollard Pull Tug to Polestar Maritime Limited. These deliveries align with the Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) mandated by the Indian government under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Additionally, UCSL has secured orders for four 70T Bollard Pull Tugs from Ocean Sparkle Limited (three) and Polestar Maritime Limited (one), further solidifying its position in the maritime sector. The expansion of UCSL’s portfolio underscores its growing influence in the international maritime market and highlights India’s capabilities in shipbuilding and marine engineering. The contract with Wilson ASA marks a significant milestone in Udupi’s shipbuilding prowess, promising economic benefits and bolstering India’s standing in global maritime trade.
