Reopened Pipavav completes first retrofit
Pipavav is India’s largest shipyard, expected to contribute considerably to the nation’s shipbuilding and repair drive (Source: Swan Energy)
Pipavav Shipyard has completed its first project since reopening in August, the refit of an Indian Coast Guard fast patrol vessel Raj Ratan.
Bought over by Mumbai-based Swan Group from previous owner Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL), which had taken on some USD 1.2 billion in debt over the course of its tenure trying to keep the yard alive.
The yard has the largest drydock in India, at 662x65m, and a 600-tonne SWL goliath crane, and is being restored as part of a national drive to empower Indian shipyards, shipbuilding and ship repair. Swan Group has pledged to invest USD 500 million to renovate the yard.
Pipavav is in talks over a contract worth several hundred million dollars to construct a series of bulk carrier newbuilds, according to India’s Business Times.
“The resumption of operations at our shipyard marks the successful culmination of our dedicated efforts to rejuvenate this strategic facility. Delivering our first Indian Coast Guard vessel underscores our commitment to enhancing India’s ship repair and shipbuilding capabilities,” said Vivek Merchant, Director of Swan’s Pipavav Shipyard.
India’s shipyards have signed some US naval repair contracts, and are attracting interest from the Russian government for the sanction-busting construction of four new icebreakers.
