Cochin Shipyard Delivers First EcoFreighter to Germany
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has successfully delivered the inaugural vessel from its HS EcoFreighter series to Germany’s HS Schiffahrts. This significant milestone highlights CSL’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the international commercial shipbuilding sector. The vessel, designed by Groot Ship Design from the Netherlands, is part of a larger order that includes eight multi-purpose vessels, each valued at approximately Rs 110 crore.
Innovative Design and Capabilities
The newly delivered vessel is a 7,000 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) multi-purpose vessel (MPV) that boasts a versatile design. It is engineered to transport a wide range of cargo, including project cargo, heavy machinery, steel coils, containers, timber, paper, and dry bulk goods such as coal and grain. Additionally, it is equipped to handle dangerous goods, making it suitable for global trading operations.
The construction of these vessels commenced with a steel cutting ceremony held in March 2023, marking the beginning of an ambitious project. CSL’s strategic move to diversify its offerings comes at a time when the shipyard is looking to strengthen its presence in the competitive international market. The delivery of this vessel, named MS Heinz, is seen as a pivotal achievement for CSL, reflecting its capabilities in modern shipbuilding.
CSL’s Growing Order Book and Future Prospects
As the largest central public sector enterprise (CPSE) shipyard in India, CSL has a robust order book valued at Rs 21,100 crore as of June 30, 2025. Notably, the Indian Navy constitutes approximately 66% of this order book, a decrease from around 88% previously. This shift indicates CSL’s efforts to broaden its client base beyond military contracts and tap into the commercial shipping sector.
CSL’s management has expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the importance of this delivery in establishing a stronger foothold in the international market. The successful launch of the HS EcoFreighter series is expected to pave the way for further collaborations and projects, enhancing CSL’s reputation as a leader in shipbuilding innovation.
