<p data-path-to-node="5">In a landmark move to expand national container carrying capacity and stimulate domestic shipbuilding, state-run <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="129">Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI)</b> has floated its largest-ever global tender, valued at approximately <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="237">$720 million (₹6,858 crore)</b>, for the construction of six 8,000 TEU cellular container vessels.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">The global procurement covers two firm vessel orders with an option for four additional ships. Designed to give a major boost to the 'Make in India' maritime initiative, the tender includes a Right of First Refusal (RoFR) mechanism allowing qualified domestic shipyards to match the lowest price quoted by foreign yards.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Consortium Ownership, Domestic Safeguards, and Technical Requirements</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9">The tender reflects India's broader strategy to build national container shipping lines while strengthening domestic shipyard capabilities:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) Integration:</b> The contract contains a novation clause allowing the vessels to be transferred to BCSL a proposed joint venture entity formed by SCI, Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Chennai Port Authority, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Right of First Refusal for Indian Shipyards:</b> To prioritize local shipbuilders, the lowest-evaluated qualified Indian shipyard will be given the option to match the lowest price quoted by a foreign competitor. Indian yards can also leverage subsidies under the Centre's ₹24,736 crore Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS).</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Foreign Technical Collaboration Framework:</b> Indian yards without prior experience in constructing large cellular container ships can participate by entering technical partnerships with international shipbuilders that have delivered at least two 5,000+ TEU container vessels in the past 10 years.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Dual-Fuel &amp; Green Technology:</b> The 8,000 TEU vessels will feature dual-fuel propulsion systems (LNG/conventional fuels compatible with biofuels), IMO NOx Tier III compliance, advanced energy-saving hull features, and high-density container guide systems designed for long-haul EXIM routes.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,4,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,4,0" data-index-in-node="0">Dual-Track Fleet Expansion:</b> The $720 million tender follows SCI’s earlier $360 million procurement floated for six 1,700 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready feeder container ships, creating a balanced fleet expansion across feeder and mainline trade lanes.</p></li></ul>