India’s UCSL Delivers First Eco-Friendly Cargo Vessel to Norway, Marking a Milestone in Sustainable Shipping

Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited, recently delivered the Wilson Eco 1, the first of six 3,800 DWT green dry cargo vessels to Norway’s Wilson Ship Management AS. This milestone represents a significant achievement in India’s export of eco-friendly maritime solutions. The delivery ceremony took place at New Mangalore Port and was attended by officials from Wilson, UCSL, and the New Mangalore Port Authority.

The diesel-electric vessel, designed by Conoship International of the Netherlands, is part of a green shipping initiative supported by the Norwegian government. It is equipped for future wind-foil and battery hybrid upgrades and will operate in European inland and coastal waters. Wilson Ship Management AS, Europe’s largest short-sea shipping company, has also ordered eight 6,300 DWT general cargo vessels from UCSL, totaling Rs 1,041 crore.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 506 crore, Wilson Eco 1 incorporates key systems from Sweden, the Netherlands, and India. It is classed by Bureau Veritas under the Norwegian flag. The project involved over 800 Indian workers and trained more than 100 personnel through national skilling programs. This delivery marks UCSL’s first international commercial success since its revival under CSL in 2020, having previously completed projects for the Kochi Water Metro and Indian fisheries schemes.

Overall, the successful delivery of Wilson Eco 1 underscores India’s growing capabilities in producing eco-friendly maritime solutions. With its advanced design and future-ready features, the vessel symbolizes a step towards sustainable shipping practices in the global maritime industry. This achievement highlights the collaborative efforts between UCSL, Cochin Shipyard Limited, and international partners like Wilson Ship Management AS in promoting environmentally friendly maritime solutions.

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