The 140-year-old maritime conglomerate SHM Group has launched Ocean Crewzer 8 (Y-410), a 29-metre high-speed passenger vessel built entirely from aluminium, at its Mumbai shipyard. The launch marks another milestone in the company’s ongoing shipbuilding programme aimed at supporting India’s growing coastal and inland waterway transportation needs.
Designed specifically for passenger transport operations, Ocean Crewzer 8 combines speed, efficiency and operational reliability. The vessel’s all-aluminium construction significantly reduces weight compared with conventional steel-built craft, enabling higher speeds, improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs. Aluminium vessels are increasingly preferred worldwide for passenger ferry and crew transfer services due to their superior performance characteristics and reduced environmental footprint.
According to SHM Group, the new vessel has been developed to meet the evolving requirements of India’s maritime and waterway sectors, where demand for fast, safe and efficient passenger transportation is expanding steadily. The craft is expected to support operations across coastal routes, inland waterways and island connectivity services.
The launch forms part of SHM Group’s broader strategy to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and deliver modern vessels tailored to domestic maritime requirements. The company has been actively engaged in shipbuilding, ship management and maritime safety services, leveraging more than a century of experience in the maritime sector.
Industry observers note that the introduction of advanced aluminium passenger craft aligns with the Government of India’s efforts to promote coastal shipping, inland water transport and sustainable maritime mobility. Lightweight aluminium vessels not only offer fuel savings but also help operators reduce emissions while maintaining higher service speeds.
With Ocean Crewzer 8 entering the fleet, SHM Group continues to expand its portfolio of specialized vessels, reinforcing its position in India’s shipbuilding industry while contributing to the development of modern maritime transportation infrastructure.