SCI Floats Biggest-Ever Global Tender Worth $720 Million for 6 Cellular Container Ships

State-run Shipping Corporation of India has floated its biggest-ever global tender for container ships, in a deal that could be worth about USD 720 million, approximately Rs 6,858 crore, as part of its ongoing fleet renewal and shipbuilding push.

What does the tender cover?

The tender calls for construction of six cellular ships with a capacity of 8,000 TEUs each, comprising two confirmed vessels with construction of the remaining four kept optional. A cellular ship is a container vessel fitted with vertical guide rails and slots that allow standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers to be stacked in an ordered manner, a design that cannot be used for non-containerised or general cargo due to its uneven shape.

What conditions apply to bidding shipyards?

Indian shipyards without prior experience building cellular ships are permitted to enter technical collaborations with reputed foreign shipyards, provided the foreign partner has delivered at least two cellular ships of a minimum 5,000 TEUs each within the last ten years, currently in service. The foreign shipyard must also offer basic and detailed design support throughout the project and demonstrate experience delivering or designing dual-fuel vessels already in service. The tender requires ships to be built at the bidder’s own facility, with sub-contracting, whether in part or full, not permitted. Bidders have also been asked to quote a fixed price on a 100 percent cash basis.

How does this fit into SCI’s broader shipbuilding push?

The tender follows a series of recent SCI shipbuilding initiatives, including a $360 million tender for six methanol dual-fuel-ready container ships and bids worth $300-340 million for four methanol dual-fuel-ready Aframax tankers, marking India’s first attempt at building Aframax vessels domestically. Cochin Shipyard, India’s premier shipbuilding facility already building LNG-fuelled vessels for CMA CGM, is expected to be a strong contender for these orders.

What does this mean for India’s maritime ambitions?

The tender reflects SCI’s sustained push to modernise its fleet while strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities, aligning with the country’s broader goal of becoming one of the world’s top five maritime nations by 2047.