Construction Begins on Svitzer Battery-Electric TRAnsverse Tugs in India

Cochin Shipyard has started building four battery-electric ship-escort tugs for Svitzer, marking a milestone in the Danish owner's drive to cut emissions from its Asian harbour operations. The shipyard held a steel-cutting ceremony in early September for the four TRAnsverse 2600e-design tugs, developed with Robert Allan. Each will feature 4.8-MWh battery packs and, when charged with green power, will provide zero direct emissions for port and terminal towage operations, aligning with India's Green Tug Transition Programme.

 

Details of the Milestone

 

Svitzer has reached an emissions milestone. Construction has begun on battery-electric tugs. Cochin Shipyard is building them in India. This advances the owner's decarbonisation drive. It targets its southern Asian harbour operations.

The shipyard marked the start formally. It held a steel-cutting ceremony. This occurred at the beginning of September. It covered four electric ship-escort tugs. These use the TRAnsverse 2600e design.

 

The Contract Background

 

The order follows an earlier contract. Svitzer contracted Cochin in December 2025. The deal covers at least four tugs. These are 26-metre vessels. The design was developed with Robert Allan.

The contract includes further potential. Svitzer holds options for more tugs. These cover four additional vessels. They could come later this decade. This reflects a potential larger programme.

 

The Vessel Capabilities

 

The vessels are designed for demanding work. They will escort and manoeuvre ships. This covers challenging weather and tidal conditions. They can work at close quarters. They handle different ship types and sizes.

The vessels feature advanced electric propulsion. Each has 4.8-MWh battery packs. They include DC and AC switchboards. Permanent magnet motors drive them. Two azimuth thrusters complete the propulsion.

 

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The Emissions Benefit

 

The vessels offer significant environmental gains. They will provide zero direct emissions. This applies when charged with green power. It covers port and terminal towage. This supports the owner's decarbonisation goals.

The order aligns with Indian policy. It received Indian Government support. It aligns with the Green Tug Transition Programme. The Make in India strategy is also relevant. This links the order to national initiatives.

 

The Technology Supplier

 

Kongsberg Maritime will supply key systems. It provides the electrical and automation technology. Propulsion technology is also included. Its scope spans the full architecture. This covers switchboards and propulsion motors.

The supplier's systems are comprehensive. Its automation manages the energy system. This spans batteries to azimuth thrusters. Shore-charging equipment is also included. This integrated approach supports the vessels' operation.

 

The Broader Programme

 

The order is part of wider activity. Svitzer also ordered diesel TRAnsverse tugs. These come from another Indian shipyard. They will be prepared for biofuels. This reflects a broad Indian commitment.

Svitzer's global programme is extensive. It has 18 TRAnsverse vessels under construction. These span shipyards worldwide. China and Brazil are among the locations. Existing TRAnsverse tugs have completed over 3,000 jobs.