India’s state-owned Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has opened a tender process for the construction of as many as six LNG dual-fuel container ships, according to Ship & Bunker.
The tender, issued on Friday, covers two firm orders with an additional four optional vessels. Each ship in the order would have a capacity of 8,000 TEU and would be built to run on either LNG or conventional marine fuel, Ship & Bunker reports.
Eligibility Requirements
SCI has opened the bidding to both domestic and international shipyards, though each must meet specific technical and financial criteria, according to the report.
Foreign shipyards seeking to participate must demonstrate a track record of delivering at least two container ships exceeding 5,000 TEU within the last decade. These yards must also show experience in either designing or delivering LNG dual-fuel vessels, Ship & Bunker states, citing the tender document.
Indian shipyards lacking prior container ship construction experience are not excluded from the process. According to the report, these yards can still qualify by entering into a technical partnership with an internationally experienced shipbuilder.
Evaluation Criteria and Timeline
When assessing commercial offers, SCI plans to weigh several operational factors. Ship & Bunker reports that the evaluation will consider delivery schedules, bunker consumption rates, service speed, and cargo capacity.
The tender timeline includes a virtual pre-bid meeting scheduled for August 18, with technical bids due by August 31, according to the report.
Does This Matter to You?
This tender reflects a continued shift toward dual-fuel vessel construction in the container shipping sector, an area of interest for bunker suppliers and traders tracking demand shifts toward LNG as a marine fuel.
Shipyards, both in India and internationally, may find this tender relevant given the eligibility criteria outlined by SCI. Companies with existing LNG dual-fuel vessel experience or container ship construction credentials may be positioned to participate directly, while others could pursue technical partnerships to meet qualification standards.
For those monitoring newbuild trends and fuel technology adoption in container shipping, this tender offers a data point on how state-owned carriers are approaching future fleet composition. The source material does not provide further detail on broader market implications beyond the tender’s stated technical and commercial requirements.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
