Cochin Shipyard Secures Contract for Electric Tugs at Jawaharlal Nehru Port
Cochin Shipyard has officially transitioned its construction of two battery-electric tugs into firm contracts with Polestar Maritime. This development follows Polestar Maritime’s successful bid to deploy the tugs at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, India’s largest state-owned container terminal, for a duration of 15 years. The specific financial details of the contract for the two 60-tonne bollard pull electric tugs have not been disclosed.
The state-owned shipbuilder initiated the construction of these tugs last year, aiming to expedite the process by starting work prior to finalizing contracts. Cochin Shipyard stated that this proactive approach was intended to align with the ongoing tendering processes at major ports. The tugs are part of the government’s Green Tug Transition Programme, which seeks to reduce emissions at key maritime locations.
Polestar Maritime secured the contract by offering the lowest day rate of ₹589,500 for each tug. The tugs will be designed by Robert Allan, a leading name in harbour tug design, ensuring compliance with the Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) set forth by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Green Technology and Domestic Sourcing
The construction of the tugs will be a collaborative effort between Cochin Shipyard and its subsidiary, Udupi-CSL, utilizing facilities in Kochi. These vessels will feature battery-electric propulsion systems, which promise zero direct emissions during harbour operations. In a move that underscores its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Cochin Shipyard will source the batteries domestically.
With this latest contract, Cochin Shipyard’s order book now includes 17 conventional tugs and six green tugs, all at various stages of construction. Harbour tugs play a crucial role in port operations, including berthing, unberthing, and assisting ships. The adoption of green technologies, such as electric propulsion, is seen as a significant step towards reducing emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
Harland and Wolff’s Future Secured by Spanish State-Owned Company
In 2024, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways introduced standard operating procedures for the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). This initiative aims to phase out conventional fuel-based tugs in state-owned major ports, replacing them with greener alternatives. The first set of green tugs will be battery-electric, with future provisions for hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen technologies as they become viable.
By 2040, the goal is to transition all tugs operating in state-owned major ports to green alternatives, ensuring a standardized and environmentally friendly fleet across India. This ambitious plan marks a significant commitment to environmental sustainability within the maritime sector.
