German shipping company Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler is further strengthening its cooperation with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), India’s state-run defense shipbuilder, with the signing of a letter of intent for the construction of four 7,500 dwt multi-purpose vessels (MPPs). The formal contract is expected to be finalized by the end of August.
To date, Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler has increased the number of 7,500 dwt MPCs at the GRSE shipyard to 12.
In June 2024, Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler signed a contract with GRSE for the construction of 4+4 7,500 dwt multi-purpose vessels; in September of the same year, the owner placed a further order for 4 additional vessels. The first 8 vessels are expected to be delivered in 2027, with a single vessel cost of about $13.5 million, and a total value of $108 million for the 8 vessels. If the latest 4 vessels adopt the same cost, the total value of 12 new vessels is $162 million.
The multi-purpose vessel has an overall length of 120 meters, a beam of 17 meters and a maximum draft of 6.75 meters. When completed and delivered, it can be used to transport bulk, general and project cargoes including large wind turbine blades.
GRSE said the latest four vessels ordered will be equipped with hybrid propulsion systems and the latest cybersecurity standards.
In related news, GRSE has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aries Marine Dubai to explore and develop platforms and vessels based on Aries designs to expand its offshore shipbuilding capabilities.
GRSE is a part of the Indian Ministry of Defense and is known for building warships and offshore vessels. The official website shows that GRSE dates back to 1884 and now has modern shipbuilding infrastructure, VR labs and other shipbuilding facilities with an annual capacity of 20 vessels.