Full Steam Ahead: The vessel was built as a whole, partially dismantled for transfer to the launching site and rejoined there, a first for both the yard and Indian shipbuilding
Udupi: Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) Monday launched a 99m cargo vessel, the largest ship built at its Malpe yard since its incorporation in 2021. The 6,300-deadweight-tonne (DWT) dry cargo vessel, the first of eight being built for Norwegian-based Wilson ASA, is valued at around 15 million euros. UY-175 ‘Wilson Energy 1’ was launched by Wilson ASA chairman Eivind Eidesvik and his daughter Anna Eidesvik. The contract was signed in June 2024, with the first vessel due for handover in Dec. The vessel has a moulded breadth of 15.8m and cargo hold volume of 3,16,278 cubic ft, and weighed around 2,200 tonnes at launch. Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited launches its first 99-metre cargo vessel at Malpe on Monday. Being built for Norwegian-based Wilson ASA, it is the largest ship built at the yard since its incorporation in 2021 Harikumar said its diesel-electric propulsion offers fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Harikumar said the yard expected to complete the entire series before the monsoon in 2028. Around 160 Norwegian companies operate in India, about 70% in the maritime sector. UCSL had earlier delivered six 3,800-DWT dry cargo vessels for Wilson ASA, each approximately 89m long.
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UCSL CEO Harikumar A said the ship marked a significant step for a yard primarily designed to build vessels measuring 80m to 90m. He said the yard has delivered all vessels on or before schedule, a record feat among the country’s shipyards. Norwegian ambassador to India May-Elin Stener said maritime cooperation extended beyond ship orders to Norwegian companies supplying shipbuilding components. She said Norway’s expertise and technology complemented India’s scale and growing shipbuilding capabilities, adding that maritime ties remained central to the India-EFTA economic partnership agreement. Harikrishnan S, director of operations, Cochin Shipyard Limited, said the yard delivered nine vessels in the past year.
Designed by Dutch firm Conoship International BV, it was built as a whole, partially dismantled for transfer to the launching site and rejoined there, an unconventional construction method and a first for both the yard and Indian shipbuilding. It can carry general cargo, bulk cargo and containers. It can also be retrofitted with wind foils and has a bow thruster for manoeuvring in tight spaces while berthing and unberthing. Construction of the second vessel is under way. Vijay Kumar, secretary, ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the shipyard’s expansion and highlighted India-Norway maritime ties. Download the TOI App.
The keel of the third was laid, and steel cutting for the fourth carried out on Monday.
