Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) launched the first of eight dry cargo vessels it is building for Norway's Wilson ASA, marking the largest ship constructed at the yard since the company's 2021 incorporation. The launch at Malpe on Monday coincided with two other project milestones: the keel laying of the third vessel in the series and steel cutting for the fourth.
Vessel Specifications and Design
The newly launched ship measures 99 metres in length and 15.85 metres in width, with a cargo hold capacity of 316,278 cubic feet and a deadweight tonnage of 6,300. It was designed by Netherlands-based Conoship International BV with an emphasis on fuel efficiency, aimed at lowering both operational costs and environmental impact. The vessel is described as a general cargo ship built for durability and adaptability to future shipping requirements, reflecting a broader industry shift toward lower-emission maritime transport.
Ceremony and Officials Present
Wilson ASA Chairman Eivind Eidesvik and his daughter Anna Eidesvik jointly launched the vessel, while Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener laid the keel for the third ship in the series. Union Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar joined the event via video conference from New Delhi and commended the shipyard for reaching these milestones.
Contract Timeline and Shipyard Track Record
The agreement for the eight 6,300 DWT vessels was signed in June 2024, with delivery of the first ship scheduled for December 2026. This order follows UCSL's completion of six 3,800 DWT dry cargo vessels for Wilson ASA, each approximately 89 metres long. The first of those smaller ships was delivered in April 2025, with the remaining five sister vessels delivered within a 14-month span-a pace the shipyard has pointed to as evidence of its operational recovery since restarting four years ago.
Taken together, the two contracts illustrate a steady expansion in UCSL's capacity to handle larger, more technically demanding vessels for international clients, while Wilson ASA's continued orders suggest confidence in the yard's delivery schedule and construction standards.