Denmark's Svitzer Partners with Cochin Shipyard to Build Electric Tugs in India

Denmark-based global towage provider Svitzer is partnering with Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) to construct four electric harbour tugs in Kochi as part of its global fleet renewal and expansion programme. Deniz Kirdar True, Managing Director – Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) at Svitzer, stated that the company is betting on India’s growing capabilities in building advanced, lower-emission vessels for international markets.

According to Svitzer, India is moving beyond a maritime policy focused primarily on ports and trade. The country is developing a broader industrial ecosystem that encompasses shipbuilding, marine technology, skills, financing, and green-vessel manufacturing.

India's broader shipbuilding ambitions are supported by a three-pronged strategy involving the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme, a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme for new clusters and yard modernization. These initiatives provide subsidies, affordable financing, and infrastructure support to help position Indian shipyards globally and meet the goals of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

The partnership combines Svitzer’s global towage expertise and requirements for next-generation battery-electric tugs with CSL’s infrastructure, skilled workforce, and shipbuilding capabilities. Tugs represent a practical entry point for port electrification because they operate intensively at high power over short radii and return to the same berth, enabling zero direct emissions during port and terminal operations when charged with green power.

In addition to the CSL partnership, Svitzer has an agreement with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries in Gujarat covering four 32-metre TRAnsverse 3200 tugs, with deliveries scheduled from the first quarter of 2028. The CSL project involves building four battery-electric 26-metre TRAnsverse 2600e tugs.

Data from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicates that domestic shipbuilding output increased by 41%, rising from 40,923 GT in 2024 to 57,637 GT in 2025. International maritime companies are bringing global demand, operational experience, and technology requirements, while Indian shipyards provide the industrial capability and local execution necessary to build these vessels locally.

Scaling green tug adoption across India will require the right combination of technology, charging and supporting infrastructure, commercial viability, and skilled personnel. Industry stakeholders note that scaling should be driven by solutions that are technically appropriate and commercially viable for different operating environments.

"The collaboration between Svitzer and Cochin Shipyard demonstrates how international partnerships can validate local manufacturing capabilities in the heavy industrial and maritime sectors. As global logistics companies prioritize decarbonization, Indian shipyards have a significant opportunity to scale green-vessel manufacturing by aligning with international standards, leveraging government schemes, and investing in specialized marine technology and infrastructure." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes