Mangalore: In a significant boost to India’s green maritime exports, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), on Wednesday delivered ‘Wilson Eco 1’, the first of six 3,800 DWT green dry cargo vessels to Norway’s Wilson Ship Management AS. The delivery ceremony, held at New Mangalore Port, was attended by senior representatives from Wilson, UCSL, and the New Mangalore Port Authority.
The vessel, designed by Conoship International of the Netherlands, is part of a Norwegian government-backed green shipping initiative. It is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, and is future-ready for wind-foil and battery hybrid technology upgrades. ‘Wilson Eco 1’ will be deployed in European inland and coastal waters, representing the next generation of environmentally conscious shipping.
Green Engineering, Global Collaboration
The vessel was constructed at a cost of ₹506 crore, using advanced components sourced from Sweden, the Netherlands, and India. It is classed by Bureau Veritas and sails under the Norwegian flag. Over 800 Indian workers contributed to the construction, and more than 100 personnel were trained under national skilling initiatives, highlighting UCSL’s role in developing India’s maritime workforce.
Wilson, Europe’s largest short-sea shipping company, has also placed a follow-up order for eight 6,300 DWT general cargo vessels with UCSL, valued at ₹1,041 crore, further cementing India’s reputation as a hub for green shipbuilding.
A New Era for UCSL
This marks UCSL’s first international commercial vessel delivery since its revival under CSL in 2020. Previously, the yard has undertaken key domestic projects, including vessels for the Kochi Water Metro and fisheries schemes under various government initiatives.
“The successful delivery of Wilson Eco 1 is a proud moment for UCSL and India’s shipbuilding ecosystem,” said an official from Cochin Shipyard. “It reinforces India’s growing role in delivering sustainable, high-tech solutions for the global maritime industry.”
