Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has secured a significant contract from Mumbai’s Polestar Maritime Limited to construct two battery-electric harbour tugs. These vessels will operate at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) as part of the Centre’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). The tugs, each with a bollard pull of 60 tonnes, are designed to assist in maneuvering large ships within port confines, marking a step towards greener maritime operations.
Polestar, which specializes in harbor tugs and marine services, won a government tender to charter these electric vessels, which will be built domestically by CSL. The battery-electric propulsion system ensures zero direct emissions during port operations, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative, as the batteries will be sourced locally.
The tugs will be designed by Robert Allan Ltd, a leading firm in harbor tug design. Construction will take place at CSL’s facilities in Kochi and Udupi, with final assembly occurring in Kochi. This contract adds to CSL’s growing order book, which now includes a total of 17 tugs, six of which are green tugs under various stages of development.
The Green Tug Transition Programme aims to phase out conventional diesel-powered tugs in favor of low- or zero-emission alternatives at major Indian ports. CSL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Madhu S Nair, expressed pride in receiving this order, emphasizing the company’s commitment to advancing India’s maritime industry and supporting climate goals.
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