India Strengthens Green Shipbuilding as Cochin Shipyard Starts Constructing
The Cochin Shipyard has commenced the construction of four cutting-edge battery-electric harbour tugs for Svitzer, a global towage and marine services provider. This development marks a significant advancement in India’s endeavors to locally build environmentally friendly vessels.
Construction of Next-Generation Green Tugs
The construction of these four vessels, known as the battery-electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs, began with a formal steel-cutting ceremony at the Cochin Shipyard. These tugs are considered among the most advanced green tugs currently being constructed worldwide. The shipbuilding agreement between Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Svitzer was finalized in December 2025, with a commitment to build a minimum of four vessels. This collaboration underscores Svitzer’s growing investment in India’s maritime supply chain.
Environmentally Friendly Operations
The TRAnsverse 2600e tugs are being designed and built to Svitzer’s specifications, tailored for demanding harbour operations. These vessels will utilize battery-electric propulsion, ensuring zero direct emissions during port and terminal towage operations when charged with green power. Speaking at the ceremony, CSL Chairman and Managing Director Jose V J highlighted the partnership’s role in enhancing the company’s shipbuilding capabilities while contributing to emission reduction efforts in the maritime sector.
Supporting India’s Maritime Vision
The construction of these green tugs aligns with the Indian government’s Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and the “Make in India” program. These vessels are expected to support India’s Green Tug Transition Programme, fostering expertise in electric propulsion and high-specification vessel construction within the country. The steel-cutting ceremony also coincides with the government’s focus on bolstering India’s domestic shipbuilding industry, following initiatives outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26.
In attendance at the ceremony were senior officials from CSL and Svitzer, including Jose V J, Kasper Karlsen, and Deniz Kirdar True. The TRAnsverse tugs are specifically designed to operate in intricate and close-quarter environments, navigating various vessel types, sizes, and challenging weather and tidal conditions.
Svitzer, established in 1833, operates a fleet of 510 vessels with approximately 4,500 employees, serving around 2,000 customers across 157 ports and 46 terminals in 38 countries. CSL, founded in 1972 and located in Kochi, is a prominent shipbuilding and ship repair facility in India, with the Government of India holding a 63.33% stake in the company.
