Udupi Cochin Shipyard Launches First of Eight 6,300 DWT Cargo Vessels for Norway's Wilson ASA

Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd. launched the first of eight 6,300 DWT dry cargo vessels it is building for Wilson ASA of Bergen, Norway, at a function at Malpe in Udupi on October 26, 2026. The Hindu reported that the contract for the vessels was signed in June 2024 and the first is scheduled for handover in December 2026.

Eivind Eidesvik Launches the First Wilson ASA Vessel

Eivind Eidesvik, chairman of Wilson ASA, launched the first ship. The vessel was designed by Dutch designer Conoship International B.V. and measures 99 metres in length, with a breadth moulded of 15.85 metres and a cargo hold volume of 3,16,278 cubic feet. The shipyard said the vessel was the largest it had built since its incorporation in 2021, calling it a step forward in building larger and more complex vessels.

A release described the vessel as an innovative, future-proof and eco-friendly general cargo vessel that gives more thrust on fuel efficiency, reducing operational expenses and environmental impact. The same day saw the keel laying of the third vessel and the steel cutting of the fourth vessel in the eight-vessel series. May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, laid the keel of the third vessel in the presence of Mr. Eidesvik.

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 those was delivered in April 2025 and the remaining five sister ships were delivered in 14 months. Conoship International expanded its CIP-Series in August 2026 by introducing a fully electric version of its CIP3800 general cargo vessel, featuring a 40-MWh battery energy storage system, Maritime News reported.

Udupi Cochin Shipyard's Board and Facilities

Udupi Cochin Shipyard is a Government of India-affiliated shipbuilder and ship repairer wholly owned by Cochin Shipyard Limited, building tugs, coastal and auxiliary defense vessels, dry cargo and fishing boats, and aluminum hybrid ferries from its Malpe, Karnataka facilities, according to akta.pro company records. The shipyard was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Udupi, with a headcount range of 101-250, a revenue estimate of $25 million-$50 million and a valuation estimate of $50 million-$100 million. Its leadership includes chairman Shri Jose V J, chief executive officer Shri Harikumar A, chief financial officer Shri Shankar Nataraj and chief operating officer M Ambalvanan.

The same records show a main shipbuilding facility of 55,000 sqm at Malpe with covered shed and open bay construction areas, and a steel fabrication facility of 25,000 sqm at Hangarkatte with a monthly capacity of 1,200 tons. Vessel construction capacity includes launching capability up to 90m x 20m and launching weight up to 3,500 tons.

December 2026 Handover for the First Vessel

The first vessel in the eight-ship series is scheduled for handing over in December 2026, following the June 2024 contract signing.