SDHI and Wheel & Time Launch India’s First Integrated Logistics Hub for Heavy Fabrication Projects!

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has partnered with Wheel & Time Shipping Transport Logistics to introduce India’s first fully integrated F.A.S.T. (Fabrication, Assembly, Storage, and Transportation) logistics platform. This innovative collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and will take place at SDHI’s state-of-the-art shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat. The new logistics hub aims to provide comprehensive support for large-scale engineering and construction projects, from steel cutting to final delivery, all managed at a single, unified site.

The partnership brings together SDHI’s cutting-edge fabrication capabilities with Wheel & Time’s logistics expertise in handling oversized cargo. This unique collaboration seeks to eliminate fragmented supply chains, streamline operations, and reduce delays. With the consolidation of fabrication, assembly, storage, and delivery functions in one controlled environment, the platform aims to increase execution certainty for clients across industries.

The F.A.S.T. logistics model is set to revolutionize project delivery by reducing logistical complexities and improving coordination across the lifecycle of high-value projects. With its holistic approach, the new logistics hub will enhance the execution of time-sensitive and mission-critical projects in several sectors, including port machinery, marine works, petrochemical installations, offshore infrastructure, and oil & gas construction. The initiative is positioned to significantly improve the efficiency of managing large and complex projects that require meticulous handling and precision.

By merging SDHI’s waterfront fabrication infrastructure with Wheel & Time’s capability in handling oversized loads, the partnership ensures a seamless workflow, cutting down on handovers and enabling smooth, uninterrupted delivery. This fully integrated model offers a more efficient way of handling oversized and high-volume projects, from raw materials sourcing to final shipment. Companies involved in engineering, design, and innovation can now rely on this partnership to handle the complex logistics, allowing them to focus on their core business functions.

Vivek Merchant, Director at SDHI, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our focus remains on shipbuilding, ship repairs, and complex fabrication projects. This partnership strengthens our position in heavy engineering. It allows clients to hand over responsibility for the most complex logistical phases to us, so they can focus on their core strengths — engineering, design, and innovation.” He emphasized that the collaboration will lead to improved project timelines and reduced costs by providing a single-point solution for fabrication and logistics.

Gautamraj Sharma, Managing Director of Wheel & Time, added, “This partnership represents a powerful convergence of infrastructure and logistics know-how. Together, we can handle complex, oversized loads from origin to destination with greater precision and reliability.”

Located on over 600 acres along Gujarat’s coastline, SDHI’s world-class facility houses India’s largest dry dock and features a monthly output of 10,000 tonnes. The yard is equipped with advanced CNC and robotic steel cutting systems, high-capacity hydraulic presses capable of handling up to 1,600 tonnes, and custom tools for large-volume lifts. All of these capabilities combine to allow SDHI to offer a highly efficient and integrated production process under one roof.

The strategic advantage of SDHI’s Pipavav facility lies in its ability to manage everything from materials sourcing to finished shipment on-site. This approach drastically reduces reliance on inland transport and minimizes the use of third-party vendors. As part of the collaboration, Wheel & Time will supply and manage a comprehensive fleet of equipment, including Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), hydraulic trailers, and ocean-going vessels, all designed to handle massive cargo loads across global routes. These capabilities make the partnership a game-changer for industries reliant on efficient transport and fabrication solutions for heavy equipment and infrastructure projects.

With the F.A.S.T. logistics hub, SDHI and Wheel & Time are not just optimizing logistics and fabrication processes — they are laying the groundwork for future industrial growth in India. The platform offers a cost-effective and scalable solution to managing large-scale fabrication and transportation projects, positioning India as a critical player in the global industrial sector.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s heavy engineering and logistics sectors, positioning SDHI and Wheel & Time as key drivers of sustainability, efficiency, and precision in the management of complex industrial projects. By continuing to innovate and optimize the entire production and delivery process, this collaboration is set to transform the landscape of heavy fabrication and logistics in the country.