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Boost for Indian shipyards as policy supports chemical tanker construction.

Govt Reinstates Chemical Carriers in Specialised Vessels List Under State Aid Scheme.

The government has reinstated chemical carriers in the list of specialised vessels eligible under the state aid scheme, a move expected to provide a major boost to domestic shipbuilding. The decision is particularly positive for local shipyards such as Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd, which had signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in November 2025 with Norwegian shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS to build six 18,000-tonne chemical tankers in a deal valued at around $220 million. Inclusion under the state aid scheme makes such projects financially more viable by offering incentives and support to Indian yards competing with overseas builders. Industry experts say the move will help revive orders for specialised vessels, enhance the technical capabilities of domestic shipyards, and reduce dependence on imports. It also aligns with the government’s broader push to strengthen the maritime sector and promote self-reliance in shipbuilding. The policy support is expected to attract more global shipowners to place orders with Indian yards, creating jobs and strengthening India’s position in the global shipbuilding market.