India’s Cochin Shipyard subsidiary Udupi Cochin Shipyard has obtained an order from Norwegian shipping company Wilson for the design and construction of four 6300 dwt dry cargo vessels, with an option for an additional four vessels of the same type to be exercised by September 2024.
This is a follow up order in continuation of a contract awarded in June 2023 for the design and construction of six 3800 dwt dry cargo vessels which are now at advanced levels of construction at the Udupi yard.
The new vessels will be 100m long, of 6300dwt at design draught of 6.5m, to a design from Dutch company Conoship International, and will employ an environment-friendly diesel electric propulsion plant. Images released by the yard suggest the vessels will be equipped with wind assistance. They will be engaged in transport of general cargo in European coastal waters. The overall eight-ship project is valued at about Rs 1,100 crores and delivery is scheduled by September 2028.
Wilson, headquartered in Bergen, is said to be the leading short sea fleet operator in Europe and transports about 15m tonnes dry cargo across Europe. The company operates a fleet of around 130 vessels ranging from 1500 to 8500 dwt.
Since takeover of the Udupi yard by Cochin Shipyard, it has successfully delivered several tugs, and obtained orders for more.
Image: Up to 14 coastal dry cargo vessels have now been ordered by Wilson from Cochin subsidiary Udupi (source: Cochin Shipyard)
