Svitzer orders electric-powered harbour tugs from Indian yard

Svitzer worked with Robert Allan Ltd on the TRAnsverse design series, incorporating a patented staple, double-ended hull and inline propulsion with omni-directional thrust, which the owner said “expands the dynamic operating envelope in towage up to 50%.” 

TRAnsverse design tugs can operate in complex and close-quarter operating scenarios, with all ship types and sizes in challenging weather and tidal conditions, as proven by the first operating TRAnsverse tugboats in the Netherlands and Australia.

“This contract with Cochin Shipyard for our next series of electric TRAnsverse tugs reflects our commitment to build in India and to support port and terminal operations in their green transition and decarbonisation objectives,” said Svitzer chief operating officer Kasper Karlsen.

“India has strong shipbuilding capabilities and a highly skilled workforce,” he continued. “Through this collaboration, we are not only investing in a series of advanced tugs for our own operations, we are also helping to build capacity for world-class, low- and zero-emissions tug construction in India.”

Svitzer’s fleet order supports the goals of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to raise capabilities at Indian shipyards to construct vessels with electric propulsion, high‑precision manoeuvring systems and integrated digital solutions for ports and terminals, while creating opportunities for engineers, designers and local supply chains.

“Delivering the next generation of tug, the TRAnsverse 2600e, draws on our skilled workforce and track record in complex, high‑spec vessels,” said Cochin Shipyard group chairman and managing director Madhu Nair.

“This agreement represents a natural expansion of our capabilities into advanced tug design and the industrialisation of battery‑electric and future‑fuel‑ready technologies in India,” he added.

“Together with Svitzer, our goal is to deliver a world‑class asset with significant decarbonisation credentials for ports in India and around the world. We remain committed to the decarbonisation of maritime transport.”

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