India Secures Landmark Order for Ammonia Dual-Fuel Bulk Carriers

India’s shipbuilding sector has taken a decisive leap into next-generation green maritime technology, with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) securing the country’s first order to construct ammonia dual-fuel bulk carriers. The contract, awarded by Energy ONE Limited, marks a significant milestone in India’s ambitions to emerge as a competitive player in sustainable global shipping.

The order involves the construction of four bulk carriers, each with a capacity of around 92,500 deadweight tonnes (DWT)—placing them among the largest commercial vessels ever to be built in India. Each vessel will measure approximately 229.5 metres in length with a beam of 37 metres, and will be equipped with advanced ammonia-based dual-fuel propulsion systems, positioning them at the forefront of low-emission maritime transport.

The ships will be designed by South Korea’s KMS-EMEC and classed by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), reflecting a blend of international engineering standards and domestic manufacturing capability. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in October 2029, with the remaining ships expected to follow at four-month intervals.

From an economic standpoint, the project falls under a high-value category, estimated between ₹1,501 crore and ₹3,000 crore, highlighting both its scale and strategic importance. The order is backed by Energy ONE Limited, linked to the New Energy One (NEO) investment fund, which has committed up to $2 billion toward zero-emission shipping assets globally.

Technologically, ammonia dual-fuel propulsion represents one of the most promising pathways toward decarbonising maritime transport. Unlike conventional marine fuels, ammonia can potentially deliver near-zero carbon emissions when produced using renewable energy. While still in early stages of adoption, the technology is gaining traction globally as regulators and shipping companies push to meet stricter emissions targets.

For India, the significance of the order goes beyond a single contract. It signals the country’s transition from traditional shipbuilding toward complex, future-ready vessel design, integrating advanced propulsion systems, fuel innovation, and global certification standards. The project also underscores growing international confidence in India’s shipyards, particularly at Pipavav, where SDHI has been rebuilding capabilities following its revival.

In strategic terms, the deal aligns with global efforts to decarbonise shipping—an industry responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By entering the ammonia-fuelled vessel segment early, India positions itself within the emerging ecosystem of green shipping, where future demand is expected to shift toward alternative fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen and methanol.

Ultimately, this order represents more than a technological upgrade—it marks India’s entry into the next phase of maritime industrial capability, where sustainability, scale and advanced engineering converge to define competitiveness in global shipbuilding.

Reference:

https://shippingtelegraph.com/dry-bulk-shipping-news/india-secures-first-of-its-kind-ammonia-dual-fuel-bulk-carrier-order/
https://www.marinelink.com/news/sdhi-books-order-four-ammonia-dualfuel-537750
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/swan-defence-secures-four-92500-dwt-ammonia-dual-fuel-vessel-order-marking-india-first
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3864610-pioneering-green-shipping-sdhi-secures-major-order-for-ammonia-fueled-vessels
https://infomarine.net/en/global-shipping-news/19-world-maritime-news/71188-indian-shipbuilding-sdhi-adds-first-ammonia-fueled-vessels-to-orderbook.html