Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited has signed its first newbuild contract for six IMO Type II chemical tankers, marking a major milestone in India’s commercial shipbuilding sector and reinforcing the revival of its Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat. The contract, valued at USD 227 million, has been awarded by European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS and is regarded as one of the largest single commercial shipbuilding orders placed with an Indian shipyard. It is also the first and largest chemical tanker order ever awarded to an Indian yard, highlighting the company’s growing capability to deliver technologically advanced and complex vessels to global standards. Each vessel will have a deadweight tonnage of 18,000 DWT and will be constructed at the revitalised Pipavav facility, strengthening the shipyard’s return to large-scale, high-value shipbuilding. The agreement also includes an option for six additional sister vessels, which could significantly expand the overall order size and provide long-term visibility for the facility. The first tanker is scheduled for delivery within 33 months, with the remaining vessels to be delivered at regular intervals thereafter. Each ship will measure around 150 metres in length with a beam of approximately 23 metres, in line with international specifications for modern chemical tankers. The vessels will be designed by Marinform AS in collaboration with StoGda Ship Design & Engineering, ensuring compliance with the latest safety, efficiency and environmental standards. Classification will be provided by DNV, one of the world’s leading classification societies, adding further credibility to the project. Built to Ice Class 1A standards, the chemical tankers will feature advanced dual-fuel LNG-ready hybrid propulsion systems, enabling multiple operational modes and improved fuel efficiency supported by high levels of automation. The design reflects rising global demand for environmentally responsible shipping solutions and positions Swan Defence strongly within the evolving green maritime ecosystem.