Cochin Shipyard Ltd has secured an international contract to build four battery-electric tugboats for Denmark-based maritime services company Svitzer, marking a major milestone for India’s shipbuilding industry.
The electric tugboats will be constructed at Cochin Shipyard’s Kochi facility and are designed to support port operations by assisting large ships during docking and undocking. Unlike conventional diesel-powered vessels, these tugs will run fully on battery power, helping reduce carbon emissions, fuel consumption, and noise pollution in busy harbour areas.
This is one of the first major export orders for electric tugboats from India, highlighting the country’s growing expertise in building advanced and environmentally friendly vessels. The order strengthens Cochin Shipyard’s position as a key player in the global maritime manufacturing space.
The project also includes an option for Svitzer to place additional orders for more tugboats in the future, depending on operational requirements. Once completed, the vessels are expected to be deployed at international ports where Svitzer operates, supporting cleaner and more efficient port services.
Industry experts say the deal reflects increasing global trust in India’s engineering quality and production capabilities. It also aligns with India’s broader push to promote sustainable manufacturing and green technologies to modernise the maritime sector.
The contract is expected to create job opportunities and enhance skill development at the Kochi shipyard, while also supporting local suppliers and ancillary industries. With this order, Cochin Shipyard continues to expand its global footprint and strengthens India’s reputation as a reliable destination for high-tech shipbuilding and export-driven manufacturing.
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