Swan Defence Wins Export Order from Denmark’s Svitzer to Build Four Next-Generation TRAnsverse 3200 Tugs
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has secured a prestigious international shipbuilding contract from Denmark-based towage operator Svitzer A/S to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 harbour tugs. The deal marks the company’s fourth consecutive export order, further strengthening India’s position as a global shipbuilding hub.
The vessels will be built at SDHI’s Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2028.
Major International Contract for Swan Defence
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (formerly Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited) announced that it has been selected by Svitzer A/S, one of the world’s leading towage operators, to build four high-performance TRAnsverse 3200 tugboats.
The contract follows an extensive global evaluation process involving several leading international shipyards, highlighting SDHI’s growing reputation for delivering complex, high-specification vessels.
Although the company has not disclosed the exact contract value, it classified the order under Category 2, indicating an estimated value between ₹251 crore and ₹750 crore.
Project Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer | Svitzer A/S (Denmark) |
| Builder | Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) |
| Vessel Type | TRAnsverse 3200 Harbour Tugs |
| Number of Vessels | 4 |
| Construction Yard | Pipavav, Gujarat |
| Delivery Schedule | Beginning Early 2028 |
| Order Classification | Category 2 (₹251–750 crore) |
What Makes the TRAnsverse 3200 Tug Special?
The TRAnsverse 3200 is among the world’s most advanced harbour towage vessels.
Developed jointly by renowned naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and Svitzer, the patented design incorporates several advanced technologies aimed at improving port efficiency and safety.
Key Features
- 80-tonne bollard pull for handling large commercial vessels
- Innovative hydrodynamic hull design
- Omni-directional propulsion system
- Up to 15% better fuel efficiency than conventional tugboats
- Designed for harbour towage and escort operations
- Capable of operating safely in severe weather and narrow port channels
These capabilities make the vessels particularly suitable for modern ports handling increasingly larger cargo ships.
Built for Sustainability
The new tugboats are designed to meet evolving environmental regulations while supporting cleaner maritime operations.
The vessels will be:
- Biofuel ready
- Compliant with IMO Tier III emission standards
- Equipped with FiFi1 firefighting capability
- Designed for lower emissions and higher operational efficiency
The improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact align with global efforts to decarbonize the maritime industry.
Boost for India’s Shipbuilding Industry
The contract is another important milestone for India’s shipbuilding sector.
The vessels will be constructed at SDHI’s state-of-the-art Pipavav shipyard, home to India’s largest dry dock.
Winning another export contract demonstrates increasing international confidence in India’s ability to build technologically advanced commercial vessels that meet global standards.
Management Commentary
Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena (Retd.), CEO of Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, described the order as a significant achievement for the company.
He said that being selected to build one of the world’s most sophisticated towage vessels validates SDHI’s engineering capabilities in the high-specification shipbuilding segment.
According to him, winning the company’s fourth consecutive export order reflects growing trust among global maritime leaders and reinforces SDHI’s commitment to strengthening India’s position as a globally competitive shipbuilding destination.
Svitzer’s Perspective
Kasper Friis Nilaus, CEO of Svitzer, said the company’s TRAnsverse tug design offers substantial benefits in improving:
- Port productivity
- Operational flexibility
- Sustainability
- Safety margins
He added that partnering with SDHI will help deliver the next generation of harbour tugs to customers around the world.
Nilaus also highlighted that the project reflects Svitzer’s continued investment in India’s maritime sector and supports key national initiatives, including:
- Maritime India Vision 2030
- Make in India
- Atmanirbhar Bharat
About Svitzer
Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Svitzer operates one of the world’s largest towage fleets with more than 500 vessels across multiple countries.
The four new tugboats form part of the company’s long-term fleet modernization programme aimed at deploying more efficient and environmentally friendly vessels worldwide.
Interestingly, Svitzer already operates harbour towage services at Pipavav Port, located adjacent to SDHI’s shipyard where the vessels will be constructed.
About Swan Defence and Heavy Industries
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (formerly Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited) is one of India’s leading shipbuilding and heavy engineering companies.
Its Pipavav facility offers significant manufacturing capabilities, including:
- India’s largest dry dock measuring 662 metres × 65 metres
- Fabrication capacity of approximately 164,000 tonnes annually
- Expertise in commercial shipbuilding, naval platforms, offshore structures, and heavy engineering
The company continues to focus on innovation, sustainability, and advanced engineering solutions for domestic and international customers.