Svitzer has signed a shipbuilding agreement with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the construction of four 26m electric TRAnsverse tugs.
The agreement follows a letter of intent signed in October 2025 at India Maritime Week and marks the move from intent to a contracted new build agreement.
Under the agreement, the Indian public sector shipyard will build a minimum of four battery-electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs for Svitzer, with an option for up to four additional vessels, as the Danish towage provider seeks to renew its fleet. The tugs will be constructed to Svitzer’s specifications at CSL’s facilities in Cochin.
The vessels complement a wider new-build program for the TRAnsverse tug design, cementing Svitzer’s confidence in the vessel’s capabilities while also opening opportunities for future deployment in Indian ports and terminals.
The deal also supports India’s ambition to become a global maritime manufacturing and skills hub under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 roadmaps and the Make in India initiative.
As the latest evolution of Svitzer’s next-generation tug concept, the TRAnsverse 2600e represents a shift toward high-efficiency, zero-direct-emission towage. The battery-electric vessels will be capable of delivering full harbor operations with no direct emissions when charged from green power sources. Their patented staple arrangement, double-ended hull and omni-directional thrust allow for enhanced maneuverability and up to 50% expansion of the dynamic operating envelope, Svitzer says, enabling safer and more efficient operations in congested or challenging port environments.
Kasper Karlsen, chief operating officer at Svitzer, said the contract underscores the company’s dual objective of decarbonizing towage while supporting India’s industrial development.
“This contract with Cochin Shipyard for our next series of electric TRAnsverse tugs reflects our commitment to Make in India and to support port and terminal operations in their green transition and decarbonization objectives,” he said.
“Through this collaboration, we are not only investing in a series of advanced tugs for our own operations – we are also helping to build capacity for world-class, low- and zero-emission tug construction in India – signalling our trust in India’s existing capability and maritime vision.”
Madhu S Nair, chairman and managing director of CSL, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “The program will deepen our expertise in electric propulsion, high‑precision maneuvering systems and integrated digital solutions for ports and terminals, while creating opportunities for our engineers, designers and local supply chain.”
Construction of the first vessels is expected to begin in the coming months, with initial delivery targeted for late 2027 or early 2028.
In related news, Kongsberg Maritime to supply thrusters and winches for Med Marine all-electric tug boats