Svitzer Starts Construction of Battery-Electric Tugs in India | Mariner News
Cochin Shipyard (CSL) has commenced construction on four battery-electric harbor tugs for towage service provider Svitzer, marking a significant step in the global deployment of advanced green vessel technology.
The steel-cutting ceremony for the fully electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs took place on September 2 in Cochin, following a shipbuilding agreement signed by the two companies in December 2025. These vessels are designed with battery-electric propulsion, utilizing electricity sourced from renewable origins for charging.
Svitzer’s decision to select CSL after evaluating shipyards worldwide underscores India’s growing capabilities in specialized vessel construction. This aligns strategically with India’s national initiative to bolster its domestic shipbuilding industry, evidenced by a $7.9 billion package announced last year, which includes financial assistance to rejuvenate its maritime ecosystem.
Deniz Kirdar True, Managing Director – Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) of Svitzer, highlighted the strategic importance, stating that the “capability to build them stays in India.” This suggests CSL is not merely fulfilling an order but is emerging as a critical player in constructing highly advanced, decarbonized tonnage, potentially positioning India as a future hub for such specialized green shipbuilding expertise.
