Mega dry dock with global ambitions

SDHI boasts the largest dry dock in India and other advanced facilities. How has this infrastructure enabled the shipyard to take on complex projects?

The shipyard of Swan Defence & Heavy Industries (SDHI) is home to India’s largest dry dock, measuring 662 m in length and 65 m width, capable of accommodating vessels up to 400,000 DWT. This makes it one of the largest dry docks in the world. Our shipyard is designed to handle diverse range of vessels, from VLCC to smaller vessels such OSVs and tugs. Our state-of-the-art fabrication facility and infrastructure enables the shipyard to efficiently execute complex shipbuilding and ship repair/maintenance projects.

Aligned with our vision to establish SDHI as a leading global player in ship building and ship repair within the Asia-Pacific region, we are investing heavily in modernising our facilities by integrating advanced automation and digital twin technologies, as well as expanding our fabrication capabilities to support specialised offshore engineering projects.

Additionally, our strategic location coupled with world-class infrastructure guarantees smooth service for both domestic & foreign clients, strengthening the region’s position as a key marine hub.

As the first private Indian shipyard, what challenges and opportunities do you encounter in this segment? How do you plan to expand your contributions to India’s defence capabilities?

As the first private Indian shipyard to construct warships for the Ministry of Defence, we recognize the strong foundation laid by the previous ownership. Moving forward, we anticipate both challenges and opportunities in expanding our role within this segment. Ensuring seamless continuity while upgrading infrastructure and adopting advanced technologies will be critical. Additionally, meeting the stringent quality, security, and compliance requirements of defence contracts remain a key focus.

We plan to build upon this legacy by enhancing our production capabilities, investing in cutting-edge shipbuilding technologies, and strengthening our collaborations with global defence partners. Our aim is to support India’s self-reliance in naval defence by developing next-generation warships, incorporating advancements in automation, stealth, and sustainable maritime solutions.

To expand our contributions, we will explore opportunities to manufacture a wider range of naval vessels, establish strategic partnerships for technology transfer, and invest in skill development. By aligning with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, we aim to play a key role in strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities in the years to come.

With rapid advancements in digital twin technology, automation, and materials science, how does SDHI integrate these innovations to stay competitive?

Technology is a key differentiator in today’s shipbuilding industry, at SDHI, we are actively exploring digital twin technology for real-time monitoring and optimization of ship building. Our new generation of automation-driven manufacturing accelerates production timelines, maximises operations efficiency, reduces turnaround times, and improves efficiency. Additionally, we are also exploring the use of advanced materials such as lightweight composites and high-strength steel to enhance fuel efficiency and durability. With these innovations, India’s shipbuilding industry is poised to lead the future of next-generation maritime technology, shaping the global commercial and defence naval landscape. By combining these technologies, we hope to maintain the highest standards of sustainability and quality while continuing to lead the commercial and naval shipbuilding markets.

How is SDHI addressing global environmental concerns and transitioning toward sustainable shipbuilding?

Sustainability is at the core of the Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) shipbuilding strategy. In response to the global maritime industry’s shift towards sustainability, we are prioritizing the development of eco-friendly ships equipped with hybrid propulsion systems. Our shipyard is committed to follow green manufacturing practices, including optimised energy consumption, waste reduction, and emission control measures. Apart from focusing on building eco-friendly ships, we are actively exploring next-generation propulsion technologies and alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia. Our ultimate goal is put India at the forefront of green shipbuilding and spur innovation for a cleaner maritime future while maintaining a laser-like focus on global decarbonisation goals.

Given the shipyard’s history of delivering diverse vessels, how do you adapt to changing market demands for commercial and naval vessels?

The dynamics of the shipbuilding industry, both commercial and defence, are undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in next-generation technologies such as automation and artificial intelligence, as well as increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The development of alternative-fuelled engines is further accelerating this transformation.

To stay ahead and to remain relevant in the market, we have embraced a modular approach to shipbuilding, allowing us to tailor ship designs to precise client needs, whether for commercial shipping, offshore energy, or defence applications. The dry dock capacity gives us an edge and helps us cater to both large and small vessels. For vessels up to 600 DWT, we can construct them on the pre-erection berth (PEB) and launch them directly using the Goliath Cranes. Besides this, we also keep an eye on global trends such as the emerging demand for larger, more fuel-efficient ships and specialised offshore support ships. By leveraging our expertise, infrastructure, and skilled workforce, we ensure that our shipyard remains versatile and responsive to market needs.