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Technology packages ordered for Svitzer’s new battery-powered tugs
Integrated power, automation, propulsion systems and deck machinery have been ordered by an Indian Shipyard for four battery-electric tugs it is building for a Danish owner
Svitzer has passed another milestone in the construction of its latest fleet of full‑electric TRAnsverse tugs as the Danish owner drives forward its emissions-reduction strategy.
Cochin Shipyard in India has started building four battery-powered tugboats in India for Copenhagen-headquartered Svitzer as part of an order that also includes options for manufacturing four more later this decade.
These 26-m tugs will each have 4,8-MWh battery packs, direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) switchboards, permanent magnet (PM) motors and L-drive azimuth thrusters.
When they are delivered, starting in 2027, they will provide efficient, zero‑emissions harbour and terminal towage in ports around the world.
The electrical, automation and propulsion technology will be supplied and integrated by Kongsberg Maritime after it secured a fleet-wide contract from Cochin Shipyard and Svitzer.
The Norwegian maritime engineering group will deliver fully integrated equipment and technology packages for these four full‑electric TRAnsverse tugs and for any that are taken up as shipyard options.
Kongsberg Maritime’s scope extends across the full electrical and automation architecture, including DC and AC switchboards, PM propulsion motors and necessary shore charging equipment.
Its K‑Chief automation and power management systems will control and manage the integrated energy and propulsion system from batteries to two Kongsberg US-series L-drive azimuth thrusters.
These thrusters will have 2.8‑m nozzles, 2,000-kW PM motors, and will be managed through the AquaPilot controls for precise manoeuvrability in complex harbour and terminal operations, including ship escorting and handling.
To support high‑performance towage capability, Kongsberg Maritime will also supply a hydraulic escort-class winch, two capstans and two chain stoppers per vessel, for fast render and recovery speeds needed for ship escort.
“With this order, Svitzer has made the bold statement that it sees emissions-free operations are no longer in contradiction with vessel economics,” said Kongsberg Maritime senior sales manager for tugs, Mark Callaway.
Svitzer made its first drive into fully electric propulsion for its tugboat fleet with the addition of Sanmar-built Svitzer Ingrid in Sweden in 2025 and will welcome Uzmar-built Svitzer Balder to its Swedish fleet in Q2 2026.
Svitzer’s new electric-powered tug will be presented at Riviera’s 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards in Gothenburg, Sweden, held in association with Caterpillar, 19-21 May 2026. Use this link for more details of this industry event and the associated social and networking opportunities.
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