Indian shipbuilding’s competitiveness on the global market for smaller but more sophisticated types of cargo vessel is expressed in an emergent flotilla of diesel-electric coasters for Norwegian owners.

The entry into service last summer of the 89m Wilson Eco I signalled the opening phase in a programme of 14 newbuilds placed with Udupi Cochin Shipyard (UCSL) by Bergen-based short-sea specialist Wilson ASA.

Constructed to a Bureau Veritas-classed design developed by Conoship International of the Netherlands, Wilson Eco I gave first form to a six-ship class of 3,800dwt singledecker capable of accessing small ports and waterways throughout northern Europe, and catering to the region’s manifold trades in bulk and packaged goods. She has subsequently been joined by sisterships Wilson Eco II and Wilson Eco III, with the fourth, fifth and sixth of the breed due at regular intervals up to mid-2026.