Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Secures Order for Four Tugs from Svitzer

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) has secured a Rs 251-750 crore order from Denmark-based towage operator Svitzer A/S to build four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2028.

The order follows a competitive evaluation of leading global shipyards. The high-specification vessels will be built to Bureau Veritas class at SDHI's shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat.

This is SDHI's fourth consecutive export contract and comes as Svitzer pursues a long-term fleet renewal programme focused on next-generation, high-efficiency vessels for port and terminal operations.

The patented TRAnsverse 3200 tug was co-developed by naval architects Robert Allan Ltd and Svitzer for complex harbour towage and escort operations. The design combines a hydrodynamic hull with omni-directional propulsion and delivers an 80-tonne bollard pull, enabling the vessels to guide large ships through severe weather and restricted port channels.

The tugs are also up to 15% more fuel-efficient than conventional tug designs, according to SDHI. They will be biofuel-ready, comply with IMO Tier III emissions standards and be equipped for FiFi1 firefighting class requirements.

"It is indeed a notable achievement for SDHI to construct one of the world's most sophisticated towage vessels. Svitzer's rigorous evaluation process reaffirms the strength of our engineering capabilities in the niche, high-specification vessel segment," said Rear Admiral (Retd) Vipin Kumar Saxena, CEO, SDHI.

"Winning our fourth consecutive export contract also reflects the growing confidence of global category leaders in SDHI's ability to deliver to the highest international standards," he added.

Svitzer CEO Kasper Friis Nilaus said the TRAnsverse design offers benefits in terms of operational flexibility, port productivity, sustainability and safety.

The contract also reflects Svitzer's continued investment in the Indian maritime sector and its support for the government's Maritime India Vision 2030, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, Nilaus said.

The vessels will be constructed at SDHI's Pipavav yard, which is located next to the port where Svitzer operates a harbour towage business.

Copenhagen-headquartered Svitzer operates a fleet of more than 500 vessels globally. The company said the new tugs are part of its broader fleet renewal programme aimed at deploying high-efficiency vessels across its port and terminal operations.

SDHI, formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Ltd, operates one of India's largest shipyards. Its Pipavav facility has the country's largest dry dock, measuring 662 metres by 65 metres, and fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes a year.