Cochin Shipyard’s ‘MS Heinz’ marks push into high‑value export newbuilds
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has delivered ‘MS Heinz’, a 7,000 DWT multi‑purpose cargo vessel, to German shipowner HS Schiffahrts, marking a significant milestone in India’s ambitions as an export‑oriented shipbuilding hub. The vessel is the first in the HS EcoFreighter series of eight ships ordered by the German client, with each unit valued at around ₹110 crore.
Designed by Groot Ship Design of the Netherlands and built to DNV classification rules, MS Heinz is an ice‑class, fuel‑efficient freighter optimised for worldwide trading. The ship features the distinctive “Groot Cross‑Bow” raked stem for improved speed and fuel performance, paired with a transom stern and a medium‑speed four‑stroke diesel engine driving a controllable‑pitch propeller.
Cargo flexibility is the vessel’s headline capability: the single large hold is fitted with six movable panels and a tween‑deck arrangement, allowing quick configuration changes between project and heavy‑lift cargo, steel coils, containers, timber, paper and dry bulk such as coal and grain, as well as dangerous goods. This versatility positions the EcoFreighter class as a workhorse for short‑sea and regional trades, particularly in Europe’s project, steel and forest‑products markets.
CSL officials highlighted that the eight‑vessel order, placed in FY22, is worth roughly ₹750 crore and stems from HS Service/HS Schiffahrts’ strategy to deploy a modern, eco‑optimised fleet on global routes. For Cochin Shipyard, the delivery strengthens its international reference list beyond defence and inland vessels, underscoring a pivot toward complex commercial tonnage in the multipurpose and short‑sea segment.
