Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has achieved a historic milestone by signing its first newbuild contract for six IMO Type II chemical tankers, each with a capacity of 18,000 DWT. The vessels, valued at US$ 227 million, will be constructed at SDHI’s shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat. This order from Rederiet Stenersen AS, a leading European shipowner, marks the largest chemical tanker order awarded to an Indian shipyard and underscores India’s growing presence in global commercial shipbuilding. The vessels will be designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design & Engineering and will feature advanced dual-fuel LNG ready hybrid propulsion. SDHI’s director, Vivek Merchant, highlighted the significance of the order for the Indian shipbuilding sector, while John R. Stenersen of Rederiet Stenersen expressed confidence in SDHI’s abilities.