Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) has been contracted to supply the complete power systems for eight new vessels being built for the shortsea specialist Wilson at Udupi Cochin Shipyard in India.
NES’s scope includes the energy design and delivery of a comprehensive power system for each vessel. This encompasses main generators, main propulsion motors, bow thruster motors, DC switchboards, main propulsion and thruster control systems, and transformers. Deliveries of NES’s equipment are scheduled between the second quarter of 2026 and the second quarter of 2028.
This project aligns with a commercial initiative by NES and its HAV Group sister companies, focused on providing emission reduction solutions for shortsea transport. NES will leverage its experience in energy optimisation from ferry and offshore vessel projects and apply it to Wilson’s dry cargo vessels.
“This is the first time we are collaborating with Udupi Cochin Shipyard and Wilson”, stated Siv Remøy-Vangen, managing director at NES. “This contract represents some of the expansion and growth we have been striving for over the past two years as part of our short sea shipping ambitions.”
Udupi Cochin Shipyard will construct the eight 6,300 dwt dry cargo vessels based on a design by Conoship International, Netherlands. The design prioritises flexibility and energy efficiency, with optimised hull lines aimed at minimising fuel consumption, complemented by the advanced energy system from NES. The vessels also have the option to install three VentoFoil units for further fuel reduction. The newbuilds will join Wilson’s fleet, transporting general cargo in European coastal waters.
Remøy-Vangen also emphasised the importance of local collaboration. “I must express my gratitude for the trust and collaboration we have experienced with Wilson. It is commendable when shipowners choose to bring local suppliers along as they venture into international shipbuilding projects,” he said. “This approach is vital – not just for NES – but for preserving and strengthening the maritime cluster along the Norwegian West Coast. By doing so, shipowners like Wilson become the driving force at the heart of this thriving ecosystem, ensuring local activity and sustaining the cluster’s long-term competitiveness.”
