The Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) is preparing to deliver the sixth vessel in its Wilson Eco3800 TDW series by June, a milestone that could further strengthen its record-breaking performance in India's shipbuilding industry.
Record-Breaking Deliveries
The shipyard has already made history by delivering seven ocean-going vessels in just 358 days, an achievement rarely matched by any Indian shipyard, UCSL CEO Harikumar A told TOI. With the sixth and final vessel of the six-ship order for Wilson ASA expected shortly, UCSL is poised to raise its performance benchmark even higher. The milestone run began with the delivery of Wilson Eco I on April 23, 2025, and gained momentum with the recent handover of Wilson Eco V on April 16. In between, the yard also delivered two high-capacity tugboats under the ASTDS programme to Indian clients, he said.
Revival and Growth
Once operating as Tebma Shipyards, the Malpe-based facility shut down in 2017 due to financial distress. Its revival came in 2020 after acquisition by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the premier public sector shipyard under the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways. Restarting operations in 2021, the yard turned profitable within just three years, he said. From building battery-hybrid ferries for the Kochi Water Metro to executing international orders, UCSL has rapidly expanded its portfolio.
Global Breakthrough
Its contract with Wilson ASA for six 3,800 deadweight tonnage eco-friendly general cargo vessels marked a major global breakthrough. Designed for efficiency and sustainability, these vessels feature advanced diesel-electric propulsion systems and are future-ready for wind-assisted technologies, operating well below IMO's 2025 emission norms.
Consistent Performance
Earlier orders, including two 62 T bollard pull and four 70 T B bollard pull tugs for Indian operators, were also completed before contractual deadlines, positioning UCSL among the few shipyards in the country to achieve such consistency, Harikumar said. What makes the achievement more significant is the compressed timeline. With monsoon conditions limiting ship deliveries for nearly three months each year, the yard effectively delivered seven vessels in about nine working months, averaging one vessel in about every 45 days, he said.
Current Projects
Currently, UCSL is constructing 10 tugboats for domestic customers and eight larger 6,300 DWT cargo vessels for international markets.
