Cochin Shipyard subsidiary launches first of eight eco-friendly dry cargo vessels for Norwegian shipping firm; underscores growing global confidence in Indian shipbuilding

Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard, has launched the first of eight 6,300-DWT eco-friendly dry cargo vessels for Norwegian short-sea shipping giant Wilson ASA. Designed by Netherlands-based Conoship International, the 99-metre vessel features an optimised hull form and fuel-efficient propulsion system built to operate under the Norwegian International Ship Register, with formal delivery scheduled for December 2026. Simultaneously, the yard laid the keel for the third vessel and commenced steel cutting for the fourth in the series. This milestone represents the second phase of Wilson’s expanded 14-vessel export contract with UCSL, following the successful delivery of six 3,800-DWT cargo ships. Industry analysts emphasise that the project underscores growing global confidence in Indian shipbuilding infrastructure. Driven by government manufacturing incentives, localised execution and cost-competitive engineering, domestic shipyards are rapidly expanding their footprint in specialised European commercial fleet modernisation programs, according to a report.

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