Cochin Shipyard has converted the two battery-electric green tugs it began building independently into firm contracts with Polestar Maritime. The deal follows Polestar winning a 15-year charter agreement from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to deploy the tugs at India’s largest state-owned container port.
Construction and Contract Details
The value of the order for the two 60-tonne bollard pull electric tugs has not been disclosed. Cochin Shipyard started construction last year after board approval, aiming to reduce delivery time once a formal contract was signed. Polestar Maritime secured the JNPA contract by quoting the lowest daily rate of ₹5,89,500 per tug.
Advanced Tug Design
The tugs are being built according to designs by Robert Allan, a leading global designer of harbour tugs. Cochin Shipyard and its subsidiary Udupi-CSL introduced Robert Allan-designed tugs in India, following the Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) set by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Joint Construction and Green Technology
Cochin Shipyard and Udupi-CSL will construct the tugs at the Kochi facility under a work-share arrangement. Equipped with battery-electric propulsion, the tugs will emit zero direct emissions during harbour operations. The batteries will be sourced domestically, reinforcing Cochin Shipyard’s commitment to Make in India.
Expanding Green Fleet
With this order, Cochin Shipyard and its units have an active order book of 17 conventional tugs and six green tugs under construction. Harbour tugs, essential for berthing, unberthing, and ship-assist functions, are ideal for green technologies that reduce emissions while maintaining efficiency.
Green Tug Transition Programme
In 2024, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) to phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs at state-owned major ports and replace them with eco-friendly alternatives. The first phase introduces battery-electric tugs, with plans to adopt hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen technologies over time.
By 2040, all tugs at state-owned major ports are expected to transition to green propulsion, standardizing an eco-friendly fleet and supporting India’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations.
