Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy engineering company, has secured a contract from Denmark-based towage operator Svitzer A/S to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs. Deliveries for the order are scheduled to commence in early 2028.

The contract follows an extensive competitive evaluation of leading global shipyards. The high-specification vessels will be constructed to Bureau Veritas class.

Co-developed by naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and Svitzer, the patented TRAnsverse 3200 design is engineered for complex harbour towage and escort operations. Featuring a unique hydrodynamic hull design and omni-directional propulsion, the vessels are capable of safely guiding large ships through severe weather and restricted port channels. Delivering an 80-tonne bollard pull, the TRAnsverse design is up to 15% more fuel efficient than conventional tug designs, directly supporting global maritime decarbonization goals.

Commenting on the development, Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena IN (retd.), CEO, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), said, "It is indeed a notable achievement for SDHI to construct one of the world's most sophisticated towage vessels. Svitzer's rigorous evaluation process reaffirms the strength of our engineering capabilities in the niche, high-specification vessel segment. Winning our fourth consecutive export contract also reflects the growing confidence of global category leaders in SDHI's ability to deliver to the highest international standards. As we continue to expand our capabilities, we remain focused on strengthening India's position as a globally competitive shipbuilding destination.”

Commenting on the partnership with SDHI, Mr. Kasper Friis Nilaus, CEO, Svitzer said, “Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design offers significant benefits to customers in terms of releasing operational constraints and improving port productivity, sustainability and safety margins. We are pleased to partner with SDHI to deliver four of these next-generation vessels to the benefit of our customers and maritime supply chains globally.”

“The contract also reflects our continued investment in the Indian maritime sector, highlighting our ongoing commitment to the Government of India's Maritime India Vision 2030, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives,” Mr. Nilaus said.

The Transverse 3200 tugs will be biofuel, IMO Tier III emissions standards, and FiFi1 firefighting class ready, reflecting the vessels' capability for reduced environmental impact and enhanced fire-response readiness in port and terminal operations.

Copenhagen-headquartered Svitzer operates a fleet of over 500 vessels worldwide. This order is a part of Svitzer's long-term fleet renewal programme, aimed at deploying next-generation, high-efficiency vessels to optimize port and terminal operations globally.

The vessels will be built at SDHI’s yard in Pipavav, Gujarat, adjacent to the port where Svitzer also has a harbour towage operation.

Reference for order classification

Reference for order classification Order Classification Classification Category 1  Category 2  Category 3  Category 4  Order Value in Rs. Crore Category 5 0 to 250  251 to 750  751 to 1500  1501 to 3000  About Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) Above 3000 Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, is a leading shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company in India. Strategically located on the west coast of India, the shipyard operates the country’s largest dry dock (662m x 65m) and has an impressive fabrication capacity of 164,000 tons per annum – providing an unmatched advantage in fulfilling India’s maritime and industrial ambitions. SDHI is committed to innovation, excellence, safety, and sustainability.  

Source: Swan Defence And Heavy Industries

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