One of the world’s largest tug owners has shaken hands with an Indian shipbuilder to advance construction of electric-powered tugboats
Svitzer has turned to India for the construction of new battery-electric tugboats it intends to operate in ports with charging stations as it renews and expands its fleet.
The AP Moller Holdings’ subsidiary has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), a leading Indian shipbuilder, to build a fleet of electric TRAnsverse tugs in the country.
Under the agreement, Svitzer and CSL will collaborate to build electric tugboats based on the TRAnsverse design that Svitzer developed with Canadian naval architect Robert Allan Ltd at CSL’s yard facilities in India.
Svitzer hopes this will support India’s green port and green towage ambition at a time whenthe Indian government is providing grants to domestic shipyards as part of its green initiatives, including its green-tug transition programme (GTTP). If this LoI becomes a firm contract, Svitzer’s orders would strengthen India’s role as a growing global hub for building electric-powered vessels.
“With this LoI we are taking a decisive step on our electrification journey,” said Svitzer chief executive Kasper Nilaus. “India’s shipbuilding ecosystem, and CSL’s proven track record, make Cochin a great place to further develop and build TRAnsverse tugs.”
Svitzer has previously signposted its intent to order a fleet of four electric-powered tugboats with onboard energy storage and back-up generators as part of its strategy to reduce emissions from harbour operations as it renews its fleet.
