India’s shipbuilding industry has reached another milestone with the launch of Wilson Energy 1, a 99-metre dry cargo vessel built by Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) for Norway-based Wilson ASA. The vessel is the first of eight 6,300-deadweight-tonne (DWT) cargo ships being constructed under an international contract valued at approximately ₹1,041 crore.
Launched at the Malpe shipyard in Udupi, Karnataka, on October 26, 2026, the vessel is the largest commercial ship built at the facility since UCSL began operations under Cochin Shipyard Limited’s ownership.
Wilson ASA Chairman Eivind Eidesvik and his daughter Anna Eidesvik jointly launched the vessel. Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener laid the keel for the third ship in the series, while steel cutting for the fourth vessel was also completed.
A 99-Metre Vessel for European Cargo Routes
Named Wilson Energy 1, the vessel measures 99 metres in length and 15.85 metres in breadth. It has a deadweight capacity of 6,300 tonnes and a cargo hold volume of 3,16,278 cubic feet.
Designed by Netherlands-based Conoship International BV, the ship is intended for general cargo operations in European coastal waters. Its diesel-electric propulsion system is designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
The vessel can also be adapted for future technologies, including wind-assisted propulsion systems.
₹1,041-Crore Order for Eight Ships
The contract between UCSL and Wilson ASA was signed in June 2024. It covers the design and construction of eight 6,300 DWT dry cargo vessels. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in December 2026, while the entire series is expected to be completed by 2028.
Construction is progressing simultaneously across multiple vessels. The second ship is under construction, the keel of the third has been laid and steel cutting for the fourth has begun.
The latest order follows an earlier contract under which UCSL built and delivered six 3,800 DWT cargo vessels to Wilson ASA. The first ship was handed over in April 2025, and the remaining five were delivered over the following 14 months.
Malpe Shipyard Expands Its Capabilities
Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited. The facility, formerly known as Tebma Shipyards, was acquired by Cochin Shipyard in 2020 and restarted operations under its ownership in 2021.
Since then, the yard has undertaken projects involving cargo vessels, harbour tugs, fishing vessels and aluminium-hulled boats for the Kochi Water Metro.
The Wilson ASA contract represents an important export order for the facility, enabling it to build larger commercial vessels for international customers.
India-Norway Maritime Cooperation
The project also highlights growing maritime cooperation between India and Norway. Norwegian companies bring ship design expertise and technology, while Indian shipyards offer manufacturing capabilities and competitive production infrastructure.
The successful execution of the eight-vessel programme could strengthen UCSL’s position in the international commercial shipbuilding market and create further opportunities for Indian shipyards to secure export orders.
