Udupi Cochin Shipyard launches first vessel built for Norwegian firm

The launch underscores the CSL group’s commitment to the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat‘ initiative, as well as the ‘Make in India‘ and ‘Make for the World‘ programmes of the Government of India. Wilson ASA, a company headquartered in Bergen, Norway, is the leading short sea fleet operator in Europe and transports about 15 million tonnes of dry cargo across Europe. The company operates a fleet of around 130 vessels. The vessels designed by Conoship International, Netherlands, are constructed as environment- friendly diesel-electric vessels for the transport of general cargo in the coastal waters of Europe.

“Udupi-Cochin Shipyard Ltd (UCSL) has established a strong foothold in the international shipbuilding market by building the finest vessel in collaboration with M/s Conoship International for M/s Wilson ASA. Both Cochin Shipyard Limited and its subsidiary, Udupi Cochin Shipyard, continue to showcase their unwavering commitment to constructing high-quality ships for the Western European market. The repeat orders from existing clients of Udupi-CSL underscore the trust and confidence that customers place in the yard’s capabilities and excellence,” said Madhu Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL.

Since the takeover of the yard by Cochin Shipyard Limited, UCSL has successfully delivered two 62T Bollard Pull Tugs to Ocean Sparkle Limited, an Adani Harbor Services Limited Company and two 70T Bollard Pull Tug to Polestar Maritime Limited, UCSL has also received further orders of four 70T Bollard Pull Tugs as repeat orders from Ocean Sparkle Limited (three) and Polestar Maritime Limited (one). In fact, Wilson ASA ordered six 3800 TDW General Cargo Vessels from Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited in May 2023. The vessel with an overall length of 89.43 m, breadth of 13.20 m, and design draft of 4.30 meters has a speed of 10.30 knots.

The vessel with the propulsion power of 750kW is propelled by two electrical motors of 375 kW each. The vessel is powered by three diesel generators of 416 kW each and has an accommodation of seven personnel. Martine Aamdal Bottheim, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, launched the vessel.