SDHI Doubles Workforce and Targets 550 More Hires by March 2027
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has announced a significant expansion in its workforce, with plans to hire more than 550 employees across various roles by March 2027. This move comes as the company ramps up its shipbuilding and heavy fabrication operations to meet the demands of a growing order book.
Expansion Across Operations and Skilled Workforce Development
SDHI is focusing on strengthening its teams in newbuild, ship repair, and refit operations. The hiring drive will target roles in project management, design, supply chain management, heavy fabrication, civil works, precision welding, fitting, and pipework. The company aims to enhance its skilled workforce to support its expanding projects.
The company’s ongoing projects are expected to create around 5,000 additional jobs in the next few years through collaborations with vendors and supply chain partners. This initiative is set to boost employment opportunities within the shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sector.
SWAVALAMBAN Training Programme and Industry Collaboration
Last year, SDHI launched the SWAVALAMBAN training programme to develop a skilled domestic maritime workforce. The initiative encompasses talent sourcing, pre-onboarding, technical induction, mentorship, and shopfloor deployment to streamline the training and employment process. More than 100 engineers and technicians have successfully completed training under SWAVALAMBAN, reducing the transition time to shopfloor deployment by 30%.
SDHI collaborated with various government agencies and educational institutions, including the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Directorate of Employment & Training, and Indian Maritime University, to develop a shipbuilding-specific curriculum. This collaboration aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to support the growth of shipbuilding and heavy engineering operations in India.
Driving India’s Maritime Growth and Employment Objectives
Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena (retd), CEO of SDHI, emphasized the importance of investing in human capital to support India’s ambition to become a global maritime powerhouse. The success of SWAVALAMBAN highlights the effectiveness of industry-aligned training in accelerating technical readiness while upholding safety and quality standards. This initiative aligns with India’s efforts to expand its shipbuilding capacity and maritime economy, crucial for achieving the objectives outlined in Maritime India Vision 2030.
SDHI, formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, operates as a shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company on India’s west coast. With a dry dock measuring 662 meters by 65 meters and a fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes per annum, SDHI is well-positioned to contribute to India’s maritime growth. The company is supported by Swan Corp Limited in its endeavors.
