Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd. launches first of eight 6,300 DWT dry cargo vessels built for European firm

Udupi Cochin Shipyard Lid. (UCSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL), launched the first of eight 6,300 DWT (dead weight tonnage) dry cargo vessels being built by UCSL for Wilson ASA, Bergen, Norway, at a function at Malpe in Udupi on Monday.

Eivind Eidesvik, chairman of Wilson ASA, launched the first ship. The contract for 6,300 DWT dry cargo vessels was signed in June 2024 and the first vessel is scheduled for handing over in December 2026.

The dry cargo vessel launched on Monday was designed by Dutch designer Conoship International B.V. measuring 99 metres in length and breadth moulded of 15.85 metres and with a cargo hold volume of 3,16,278 cubic feet.

The vessel was the largest built by UCSL since its incorporation in 2021, representing a major step forward in the shipyard’s journey towards building larger and more complex vessels. The vessel was an innovative, future-proof, and eco-friendly general cargo vessel, which gave more thrust on fuel efficiency thereby reducing the operational expenses and environmental impact, a release said.

The day also witnessed the keel laying of the third vessel and the steel cutting of the fourth vessel in the same eight-vessel series. The keel of the third vessel was laid by May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, in the presence of Mr. Eidesvik.

Six vessels delivered earlier

UCSL had earlier completed and delivered six 3,800 DWT dry cargo vessels to Wilson ASA, each measuring approximately 89 metres in length. The first of the 3,800 DWT dry cargo vessel was delivered in April 2025 and the remaining five sister ships were delivered in 14 months.