Udupi Cochin Shipyard Launches First of Six 3800 TDW Cargo Vessels for Norway’s Wilson ASA

The Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), marked a significant milestone by launching the first vessel in a series of six 3800 TDW General Cargo Vessels for Wilson ASA, Norway. This achievement highlights the CSL group’s dedication to the Indian Government’s ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the global ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ programmes.

A Strategic Collaboration for Innovation

Wilson ASA, headquartered in Bergen, Norway, operates Europe’s largest short-sea fleet, transporting over 15 million tonnes of dry cargo annually across the continent. Collaborating with Conoship International of the Netherlands, UCSL has designed the vessels to be environmentally friendly, utilising a diesel-electric propulsion system tailored for efficient cargo transport in Europe’s coastal waters.

Vessel Specifications and Features

The newly launched vessel reflects UCSL’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities. Key specifications include:

• Length: 89.43 metres
• Breadth: 13.20 metres
• Design Draft: 4.30 metres
• Speed: 10.30 knots
• Propulsion: Two 375 kW electric motors powered by three 416 kW diesel generators
• Accommodation: Capacity for seven personnel

UCSL’s Track Record in Excellence

Since UCSL became part of the Cochin Shipyard Group, it has demonstrated its expertise in delivering high-quality vessels. Notable accomplishments include:

• Delivery of two 62T Bollard Pull Tugs to Ocean Sparkle Limited, an Adani Harbour Services Limited company.
• Delivery of two 70T Bollard Pull Tugs to Polestar Maritime Limited.
• Ongoing construction of four additional 70T Bollard Pull Tugs as repeat orders.

Commitment to International Standards

Madhu Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL, emphasised the significance of this achievement: “Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd (UCSL) has established a strong foothold in the international shipbuilding market by building the finest vessel in collaboration with M/s Conoship International for M/s Wilson ASA. The repeat orders highlight the trust and confidence customers place in UCSL’s excellence and capabilities.”

The Significance of the Launch

The vessel’s launch by Martine Aamdal Bottheim, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, further strengthens Indo-Norwegian relations in the maritime sector.

Market Reaction

On the day of the vessel launch, Cochin Shipyard’s share price saw a slight dip of 1.72%, trading at ₹1,543 on the NSE as of 10:24 AM.

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