Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited has officially commenced the completion of five offshore support vessels for Kakinada-based San Maritime India Pvt. Ltd. The project represents a significant step in strengthening India's maritime capabilities and supporting the government's vision of indigenous shipbuilding.

Project Commencement and Specifications

San Maritime has begun docking the vessels at SDHI's Pipavav shipyard for completion under IR Class certification. The project will cater to the demands of the offshore industry while reinforcing India's maritime infrastructure.

Strategic Impact and Government Alignment

The completion of these offshore support vessels will strengthen Indian-flag tonnage and offshore capability while creating maritime jobs. This initiative aligns with the Government of India's vision of advancing indigenous self-reliant shipbuilding through targeted financial assistance and incentive schemes.

Operational Capabilities and Infrastructure

SDHI's Pipavav facility offers unmatched shipbuilding capabilities for the project completion. The shipyard features the country's largest dry dock measuring 662m x 65m, a wet basin of 340m x 60m, and 1.2km of dedicated waterfront for berthing, docking, and launching of vessels.

Asset Utilization and Ecosystem Support

The hulls were originally acquired by SDHI as part of the acquisition of Pipavav Shipyard through NCLT proceedings from Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited. San Maritime subsequently acquired the hulls from SDHI. The project commencement will support local vendors and service providers within the shipbuilding ecosystem, demonstrating the operational readiness and executional capabilities under SDHI's new leadership.

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has secured a landmark defence export contract from the Government of Sultanate of Oman, marking a significant milestone in India's shipbuilding sector. The company announced on February 5, 2026, that it will deliver a state-of-the-art training ship to support the Royal Navy of Oman's advanced naval training and maritime operations within an 18-month timeframe.

Vessel Specifications and Capabilities

The training vessel represents advanced maritime engineering with comprehensive specifications designed for naval education excellence. The ship's technical parameters and facilities demonstrate SDHI's capability to deliver world-class naval vessels.

The vessel will feature modern classrooms, training offices, and comprehensive accommodation facilities. An onboard auditorium will provide a world-class learning environment at sea, while the ship will be equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems, advanced communications suite, and helicopter operation capabilities.

Strategic Significance for India-Oman Relations

This export order reinforces India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and elevates the country's stature as a global maritime hub. The contract strengthens the deep-rooted bilateral relations and maritime cooperation between India and Oman, demonstrating growing international confidence in Indian naval engineering expertise.

Rear Admiral V.K. Saxena (retd), CEO of Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited, emphasized the contract's significance: "This contract stands as a testament to our advanced technical expertise and world-class shipbuilding capabilities that meet global benchmarks. Earning the confidence of the Royal Navy of Oman reinforces SDHI's commitment to excellence and drives us to consistently deliver high-quality vessels distinguished by innovation, reliability and performance."

Company Capabilities and Infrastructure

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited, formerly Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, operates as India's leading shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company. The company's strategic advantages include:

• India's largest dry dock measuring 662 m × 65 m
• Fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes per annum
• Strategic location on India's West coast
• Commitment to innovation, operational excellence, safety, and sustainability

Alignment with National Maritime Vision

The development occurs as Indian shipyards increasingly demonstrate global competitiveness, supported by strategic initiatives from the Ministry of Defence (Defence Production). This partnership aligns with India's Amrit Kaal Vision, reinforcing the country's evolving status as an exporter of indigenously built vessels and strengthening India's position in the international maritime industry.