Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) has signed a major $227 million shipbuilding contract with European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS for the construction of six IMO Type II chemical tankers. These six chemical tankers, each about 18,000 deadweight tonnes will be constructed at its revitalised Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat.
The deal, announced on January 23, 2026, is one of the largest single commercial shipbuilding orders ever won by an Indian yard and the first and biggest chemical tanker order awarded to an Indian shipbuilder. Each tanker will be built to Ice Class 1A standards with advanced dual-fuel, liquefied natural gas (LNG)-ready hybrid propulsion and high automation, designed by Marinform AS and StoGda and classed by DNV. The contract includes an option for six more sister vessels, with the first delivery expected within 33 months and subsequent deliveries at regular intervals.