Royal IHC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilder, to collaborate on the design and construction of Offshore Construction Vessels. The agreement, facilitated by Alar Infrastructure, represents a step forward for Royal IHC’s operations in Asia while aligning with India’s maritime development goals.
Expanding Shipbuilding Capabilities in India
The partnership will focus on building Offshore Construction Vessels, Pipe Laying Vessels, and Multi-Purpose Offshore Support Vessels. These projects will be carried out at SDHI’s shipyard at Pipavav Port in Gujarat, which houses India’s largest dry dock measuring 662 by 65 meters and offers an annual fabrication capacity of 144,000 tons. The facility is positioned to handle complex offshore projects on a large scale, supporting both oil and gas as well as renewable energy markets.
SDHI highlighted the significance of this cooperation in supporting domestic shipbuilding under the Government of India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. “We are delighted to partner with Royal IHC at a time when the industry is witnessing a growing demand for offshore vessels capable of serving both oil & gas and renewable energy markets,” said Vivek Merchant, Director of SDHI.
Combining Global Expertise and Local Infrastructure
Royal IHC will provide vessel design, engineering, mission equipment integration, and project management expertise. SDHI brings to the table its established infrastructure and workforce, strengthening India’s ability to deliver cost-competitive maritime solutions.
“This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening our presence in Asia by partnering with India’s largest shipyard,” said Derk te Bokkel, CEO of Royal IHC. He emphasized that the collaboration will deliver advanced offshore solutions to meet evolving industry needs.
The cooperation not only enhances Royal IHC’s presence in Asia but also contributes to India’s efforts to expand its maritime industrial base. The combination of SDHI’s manufacturing strength and Royal IHC’s engineering know-how is expected to increase competitiveness in the international shipbuilding market.
