The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has launched a tender for up to six LNG dual-fuel containerships. The programme is the company’s largest boxship acquisition project to date and supports India’s plans to expand its national fleet and strengthen domestic shipbuilding.
The tender, issued on July 31, covers two firm orders and four optional vessels. The ships will have a capacity of around 8,000 TEU each. The project is valued at approximately $720 million, with bids due by August 31.
The new vessels will use LNG dual-fuel propulsion and will have a deadweight capacity of about 14,000 dwt. The technical specifications call for ships around 330 metres long with a service speed of 17 knots and a range of 20,000 nautical miles. Each vessel will also have around 1,000 reefer plugs and an air draft suitable for U.S. container port operations.
The procurement is part of India’s wider effort to reduce dependence on foreign-flag carriers and develop domestic shipbuilding capabilities. The tender allows Indian shipyards to match the lowest qualified foreign bid. It also permits domestic yards without previous experience building large containerships to participate through partnerships with experienced international shipbuilders.
However, the winning yard must complete the construction itself and cannot transfer the project to another facility.
The latest tender follows SCI’s wider fleet renewal programme. Earlier this year, the company invited proposals for up to six 1,700 TEU methanol dual-fuel feeder containerships. SCI also launched a project for four domestically built Aframax tankers.
The containership programme supports India’s long-term maritime development plans. Authorities expect commitments for 62 new vessels in 2026, with investments of around $5.3 billion. Plans through 2042 include the construction or acquisition of more than 430 vessels across different shipping sectors.
Several Indian shipyards are expected to compete for the project, including Cochin Shipyard, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, L&T Shipbuilding and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. International shipbuilders may also participate through local partnerships.
