UCSL delivers First Green Cargo Vessel to Norway under Make in India Initiative

MANGALURU : Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), Karnataka, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), on Wednesday marked a significant milestone with the delivery of the first in a series of six 3800 T DW dry cargo vessels  to M/s. Wilson Ship Management AS, Norway, the largest short sea shipping company in Europe. The delivery ceremony was held at the New Mangalore Port.

Dr. Sushma Akkaraju, W/O Dr. Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Chairman New Mangalore Port Authority, christened (formerly named) the new vessel, to mark the formal delivery of the vessel, in presence of the Chairman and senior officers of New Mangalore Port Authority. Senior officials of M/s Wilson Ship Management AS, Norway Mr. Einar Torsnes, Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Sergey Bogdashov, New Build Superintendent and the Wilson site team graced the occasion. Shri. Harikumar A, CEO, UCSL and members of the Udupi CSL team were present along with, Shri. Sivaram N Swamy, General Manager (Business Development), CSL and Mr. Eric Veith, Bureau Veritas.

Wilson Ship Management AS, a company headquartered in Bergen, Norway and having branch offices strategically located in Europe is the largest short sea fleet in Europe. Every year they transport about 15 million tonnes dry cargo across Europe. Wilson Ship Management AS, has a fleet of around 130 vessels ranging from 1500 to 8500 DWT, all of similar design with a core objective to carry any cargo at any time.  Subsequent to start of production the 3800 series vessels,  M/S Wilson Ship Management AS, has signed a further order for construction of Eight 6300 T DW General Cargo Vessels with UCSL at a total cost of INR 1041 Crore.

Wilson Eco 1, the vessel Christened, is a 3800 Deadweight Dry Cargo Vessel. This is an ambitious project under the Norwegian Government green funding programme aimed at emission-free transport solutions. The total project cost is about INR 506 Crore. This “Future proof General Cargo Vessel” is  designed by M/s Conoship International, a leading Ship design house of the  Netherlands. The ship is constructed as an Environmentally friendly Diesel Electric vessel.  The vessel is also ready for up gradation by installation of Wind foil units and battery hybrid systems.  These vessels are intended for transport of general cargo through Inland as well as coastal waters of Europe.  The vessel, with Length overall (LOA) 89.43 m Beam of 13.2 m and Draft of 4.3 m  is propelled by  750kW propulsion motors. It has a dead weight of 3800 Metric Tonnes corresponding to a moulded draft in saltwater of 4.30 Metres. The vessel is classed by Bureau Veritas and built under Norwegian Flag. The construction of Wilson Eco 1 created direct employment for over 800 personnel, while also supporting a wide network of MSMEs and ancillary service providers. Structured training and upskilling programs were implemented in collaboration with national skill development agencies, resulting in a certified pool of over 100–150 skilled workers trained specifically in the installation and commissioning of diesel-electric vessel systems. This has not only enhanced local capabilities but also built long-term capacity for future high-value exports.

The vessel features state-of-the-art components including:

• E-Propulsion System by D&A Electric, Netherlands
• Propulsion Package from Berg Propulsion, Sweden
• Becker Rudder System for steering
• Scania Diesel Generators
• Bow Thrusters from Veth Propulsion
• Emergency Generator from Sizu Diesel
• Gantry Cranes designed and supplied by Coops & Neiborg BV
• Hatch Covers manufactured by UCSL as per Coops & Neiborg BV designs  

Designed by Conoship International, the vessel’s hull and outfitting systems are highly optimized, enabling efficient operation with just 750kW of propulsion power at 10.5 knots. The design supports future retrofitting with wind-foil units, underscoring the vessel’s long-term sustainability and performance efficiency. 

The vessel is designed for all-weather, unrestricted operations, with Unmanned Machinery Space Certification and is equipped with the latest navigation and communication equipment in accordance with class and flag requirements. The ship has a complement of nine personnel, including six officers and three ratings.

This project reflects UCSL’s alignment with the Government of India’s national initiatives. The entire steel, including piping systems, has been sourced and manufactured in India. The Power Distribution, Power Management, and Vessel Management Systems are designed and supplied by Marine Electricals Limited, India, while the HVAC System is from SAF Refrigeration, Mumbai. The successful entry into the European market—through high-value, environmentally advanced vessels—opens the door to similar contracts from other advanced economies and further strengthens India’s strategic maritime influence globally.

The vessel is designed for unrestricted all-weather operation with a nine-member crew and unmanned machinery certification.

UCSL, formerly known as TEBMA SHIPYARDS Limited, was taken over by CSL in 2020 through an order of the Hon. National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Chennai, and started operations in 2021.  Since then, UCSL has delivered:

• Eight Aluminium Hulls for the Kochi Water Metro Project
• Eight Tuna Longliner-cum-Gillnetters under PMMSY Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana)
• Two 62 T Bollard Pull ASTDS Tugs to M/s Ocean Sparkle Limited, an Adani Harbour Services company

• Two 70 T Bollard Pull ASTDS Tugs to M/s Polestar Maritime Limited

Cardinal Dates for Wilson Eco 1 Project

• Contract Effective Date: 27 June 2023
• Steel Cutting: 04 December 2023
• Keel Laying: 27 April 2024
• Launching: 16 December 2024
• Sea Trials Completion: 06 April 2025
• Delivery: 23 April 2025