According to latest reports, Cochin Shipyard achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday by beginning construction of four advanced battery-electric harbour tugs for global towage and marine services provider Svitzer. The steel-cutting ceremony marked a step forward in India's efforts to build green vessels locally, with the four vessels being next-generation battery-electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs - among the most advanced green tugs being built globally. As reported by NDTV, this construction initiative provides clear visibility for future performance and strengthens the company's position in the evolving maritime sector.
The shipbuilding agreement between CSL and Svitzer was signed in December 2025 and covers a minimum of four vessels, reflecting Svitzer's growing investment in India's maritime supply chain. According to NDTV, Svitzer Managing Director for Asia, Middle East and Africa Deniz Kirdar True revealed that the company had evaluated shipyards across the world before selecting CSL. The vessels are being built to Svitzer's specifications and are designed for demanding harbour operations, using battery-electric propulsion that will have zero direct emissions during port and terminal towage operations when charged with green power.
Speaking at the ceremony, CSL Chairman and Managing Director Jose V J emphasized the partnership's role in advancing maritime decarbonisation goals. As reported by NDTV, Svitzer Chief Operating Officer Kasper Karlsen highlighted that the TRAnsverse design aims to make vessel movements faster and more predictable while improving port infrastructure utilization. The technology has proven track record with over 3,000 commercial towage jobs completed with the class, and Svitzer has 18 TRAnsverse vessels under construction worldwide. The collaboration supports India's Green Tug Transition Programme while building domestic expertise in electric propulsion.
The project aligns with the Centre's Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the 'Make in India' programme, as reported by NDTV. Following measures announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, the government has adopted a four-pillar strategy to revitalise the shipbuilding sector and approved a comprehensive package of ₹69,725 crore to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capacity, maritime financing and skill development. The steel-cutting ceremony comes at a time when the Centre is focusing on strengthening India's domestic shipbuilding industry, with the capability to build these advanced green tugs remaining within India.
According to NDTV, Svitzer, founded in 1833, operates a fleet of 510 vessels and has about 4,500 employees serving around 2,000 customers across 157 ports and 46 terminals in 38 countries. CSL, incorporated in 1972 and based in Kochi, is a major shipbuilding and ship repair facility in India, with the Government of India owning 63.33 per cent of the company's shares. The latest green vessel construction project demonstrates the company's competitive advantages and technical capabilities in advanced maritime technology, with the TRAnsverse tug designed to operate in complex environments involving different vessel types and challenging weather conditions.
