New shipbuilding deal gives Indian yards priority under first‑refusal rule

New Delhi, August 8 – The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has announced a landmark $720 million tender for six 8,000 TEU cellular container ships. The tender is notable for its built‑in preference for Indian shipyards through a right‑of‑first‑refusal (ROFR) mechanism.

Under the ROFR, if a foreign shipyard submits the lowest bid, an Indian shipyard that satisfies the eligibility criteria can match that price and secure the contract. If the first qualified Indian yard cannot meet the price, the opportunity passes to the next eligible domestic yard.

Two of the vessels are earmarked for firm orders, while the remaining four are optional, giving SCI the ability to scale the fleet based on future cargo volumes and market dynamics.

Indian yards lacking experience in constructing large container ships are allowed to collaborate with foreign partners that have delivered at least two container vessels of 5,000 TEU or more in the past ten years. The foreign partner must also provide comprehensive design support throughout the build.

The ships will feature a cellular container layout with vertical guide rails and slots, enabling efficient stacking of 20‑foot and 40‑foot containers. This design enhances cargo safety and operational efficiency.

The project will benefit from the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFS), which offers a subsidy of 15‑25 percent of the construction cost per vessel. The scheme is part of a larger ₹69,725 crore maritime package announced for 2025, intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Indian shipyards on the global stage.