India's state-owned Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has launched a tender for the construction of up to six LNG dual-fuel container vessels, opening the bidding to both domestic and international shipyards.

The tender, issued on Friday, covers two firm vessels and four optional units. Each ship is specified at a capacity of 8,000 TEU and will be capable of operating on both LNG and conventional marine fuel. The choice of LNG dual-fuel propulsion aligns with a broader industry shift toward lower-emission vessel designs, as shipping lines worldwide adopt cleaner-burning fuels to meet International Maritime Organization greenhouse gas reduction targets and tightening environmental regulations in major markets.

SCI has set technical and financial eligibility criteria for participating shipyards. Foreign yards must demonstrate a track record of having delivered at least two container ships exceeding 5,000 TEU within the past ten years, along with proven experience in either delivering or designing LNG dual-fuel vessels, according to the tender document.

Indian shipyards that lack prior container ship construction experience remain eligible to bid, provided they enter into a technical partnership with an established international shipyard. This provision reflects India's push to build domestic shipbuilding capacity, supported by government initiatives aimed at expanding the country's maritime infrastructure and reducing reliance on foreign-built vessels.

When evaluating commercial proposals, SCI said it will take into account delivery schedules, bunker fuel consumption, service speed, and cargo capacity.

A virtual pre-bid meeting is scheduled for August 18. Technical bids must be submitted by August 31.

The Shipping Corporation of India is a government-owned enterprise headquartered in Mumbai and is the country's largest shipping company, operating a diversified fleet across multiple segments including container, bulk, and tanker services.