Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has entered into a strategic partnership with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, strengthening its presence in India’s shipbuilding and offshore engineering market. The collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed earlier this year.
Under the agreement, SHI and Swan Defence will pursue joint efforts in the engineering, procurement, and management of shipbuilding and offshore projects. The deal underscores Samsung Heavy’s strategy to expand its global network and diversify its industrial base beyond South Korea.
Swan Defence operates India’s largest dry dock, with the capability to construct very large crude carriers (VLCCs), positioning it as a key partner for high-capacity shipbuilding projects. SHI said the collaboration will allow it to gradually scale operations in India while contributing its technological expertise and project management capabilities.
The move follows Samsung Heavy’s August 2025 strategic tie-up with U.S.-based Vigor Marine Group, highlighting the Korean shipbuilder’s accelerating push to establish international alliances in the shipbuilding and offshore engineering sectors.
Industry observers note that India’s growing demand for energy transport and offshore infrastructure makes the partnership a timely opportunity for Samsung Heavy to capture new market share in South Asia.
