HAV Group company Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) has been contracted to deliver the power system to eight newbuild bulk carriers that Udupi Cochin Shipyard is constructing for dry cargo shipping group Wilson.
NES’ scope of supply includes energy design and a complete power system. This contains delivery of main generators, main propulsion motors, bow thruster motor, DC switchboard, main propulsion and thruster control, and transformers. NES’ equipment deliveries will be made between the second quarter of 2026 and the second quarter of 2028.
NES and its sister companies in HAV Group have announced a commercial initiative to provide solutions for emission reduction in short sea transport. For this project, NES will utilise its know-how from energy optimisation of ferries and offshore vessels and apply it to Wilson’s dry cargo vessels.
NES MD Siv Remøy-Vangen said: “This is the first time we are collaborating with Udupi Cochin Shipyard and Wilson. This contract represents some of the expansion and growth we have been striving for over the past two years as part of our short sea shipping ambitions.”
Udupi Cochin Shipyard will construct the eight 6,300 dwt dry cargo vessels. The vessels are designed by Conoship International, Netherlands. The design focuses on flexibility and energy efficiency where its optimised hull lines lead to the lowest possible fuel consumption along with the energy system from NES. Further, the vessels have the option to install three VentoFoil units for further fuel reduction. The vessels will enter the Wilson fleet transporting general cargo in European coastal waters.
Remøy-Vangen added: “I must express my gratitude for the trust and collaboration we have experienced with Wilson. It is commendable when shipowners choose to bring local suppliers along as they venture into international shipbuilding projects. This approach is vital – not just for NES – but for preserving and strengthening the maritime cluster along the Norwegian West Coast. By doing so, shipowners like Wilson become the driving force at the heart of this thriving ecosystem, ensuring local activity and sustaining the cluster’s long-term competitiveness.”
Wilson, headquartered in Bergen, Norway, transports about 15m tonnes of dry cargo across Europe. The company operates a fleet of around 130 vessels, ranging from 1,500 to 8,500 dwt.
Henrik Orth, director, Wilson Ship Management, said: “In a newbuilding project as significant and impactful as this for Wilson, it is great to make use of Norwegian expertise and technical knowledge through NES. It’s also a pleasure to utilise a local and competitive supplier.”
Image: NES will provide power systems for eight newbuild coastal bulk carriers (source: Norwegian Electric Systems)
