Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI) has invited global bids for the construction of six 8,000 TEU cellular container ships in a move expected to significantly boost India’s domestic shipbuilding industry. The tender, comprising two firm orders and four optional vessels, is estimated to be worth around US$720 million, making it the largest container shipbuilding order floated by an Indian fleet owner.
The tender provides Indian shipyards with a Right of First Refusal (RoFR), allowing them to match the lowest bid submitted by a foreign shipyard and secure the contract. If the lowest-ranked Indian shipyard declines to match the foreign bid, the opportunity will be extended to the next eligible Indian bidder.
The shipbuilding contract will be executed by SCI or its joint venture company/special purpose vehicle, with provisions for novation of the contract. This indicates that the vessels could eventually be owned by the proposed Bharat Container Shipping Line, a joint venture involving SCI, Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR), Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Chennai Port Authority and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.
The vessels must be built at the bidder’s own shipyard, with complete outsourcing of construction not permitted. Bidders are required to submit firm, fixed-price quotations in US dollars without any escalation, inclusive of all applicable taxes and duties.
Indian shipyards must demonstrate the capability to build container vessels of at least 8,000 TEU capacity. Those without prior experience may participate through a technical collaboration with an internationally reputed shipyard that has delivered at least two container ships exceeding 5,000 TEU over the past decade. The international partner must also have experience in designing or delivering LNG dual-fuel vessels.
Commercial bids from Indian shipyards are to be submitted after factoring in benefits available under the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS).
This marks SCI’s second major container shipbuilding tender in recent months, following its earlier bid invitation for six methanol dual-fuel-ready feeder container ships of 1,700 TEU capacity. The initiative aligns with India’s broader objective of strengthening indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and expanding the country’s presence in the global maritime manufacturing sector.