<p data-path-to-node="4"><b data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0">PIPAVAV / COPENHAGEN</b> — In a major boost to India’s commercial shipbuilding capabilities and maritime export footprint, shipbuilding and heavy engineering firm Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has officially signed a landmark supply contract with Denmark-based global towage operator Svitzer A/S. Under the agreement, SDHI will construct four next-generation, high-efficiency TRAnsverse 3200 tugs at its primary shipyard facility in Pipavav, Gujarat, with vessel deliveries scheduled to commence in early 2028.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="5"><b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="0">Advanced Engineering and Technical Capabilities</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="6">Co-developed by world-renowned naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and Svitzer, the patented TRAnsverse tug design represents a significant technological advancement in harbour towage and escort operations. The vessels feature a unique hydrodynamic hull geometry paired with omni-directional propulsion systems, delivering an impressive 80-tonne bollard pull.</p><p data-path-to-node="7">Engineered to safely guide mega-containerships and energy carriers through restricted port channels under severe weather conditions, the vessels offer a 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to standard tug configurations. Built to Bureau Veritas classification standards, the vessels are fully Tier III compliant and biofuel-ready, supporting the global maritime sector’s decarbonization roadmap.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Strengthening Subcontinental Shipbuilding Footprint</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9">The export contract was awarded to SDHI following an extensive competitive evaluation of leading international shipyards. The newbuilds will be constructed at SDHI's Pipavav yard, situated adjacent to the commercial port where Svitzer already maintains active harbour towage services.</p><p data-path-to-node="10">"Winning our fourth consecutive export contract reflects the growing confidence of global category leaders in SDHI's technical capability to deliver vessels to the highest international standards," stated Rear Admiral (Retd) Vipin Kumar Saxena, Chief Executive Officer of Swan Defence &amp; Heavy Industries. "As we continue to scale our operations, we remain committed to positioning India as a globally competitive hub for high-tech commercial shipbuilding".</p><p data-path-to-node="11">Echoing the strategic alignment, Kasper Friis Nilaus, Chief Executive Officer of Svitzer, noted: "The TRAnsverse design provides significant operational benefits for port productivity, safety margins, and environmental sustainability. This investment reinforces our commitment to the Indian maritime ecosystem, directly supporting the government's Maritime India Vision 2030, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat frameworks".</p><p data-path-to-node="12">The four-vessel order forms a core pillar of Svitzer’s global fleet renewal initiative, aimed at deploying eco-friendly, next-generation tugs across its network of over 500 vessels worldwide.</p>