India’s Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has started construction of four 26-metre battery-powered tugboats ordered by Danish towage company Svitzer, marking another step in the expansion of its electric vessel fleet.
The tugboats will be built based on a design developed by Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd (RAL). Under the agreement, CSL will construct four confirmed vessels for Svitzer, with an option to build up to four additional tugs.
The vessels will be manufactured according to Svitzer’s specifications and will be deployed across the company’s global fleet. Svitzer said the new vessels will form part of a broader newbuilding programme based on RAL’s tug design.
Each tug will feature a double-ended hull and in-line propulsion, allowing the vessels to generate thrust in multiple directions and operate efficiently in different manoeuvring conditions.
Construction of the first four tugs is expected to progress over the coming months, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in late 2027. Svitzer said additional vessels could be ordered depending on its fleet renewal strategy and customer demand.
The company is also planning to build four larger 32-metre tugs in India using designs from Robert Allan Ltd, further expanding its partnership with Indian shipyards and its programme for modern, energy-efficient tugboats.
