India Orders Two Battery-Electric Tugs to Revolutionize Green Port Operations

India's push for greener ports has taken a step forward with a new order for two battery-electric tugs. Polestar Maritime Limited has secured the vessels from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the government's Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). These tugs will operate at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, marking a shift toward zero-emission harbour operations.

The two 60-ton bollard pull tugs will run entirely on battery-electric propulsion, producing no direct emissions during use. Their design comes from Robert Allan Limited, a leading name in harbour tug engineering. CSL and Udupi-CSL will jointly build the vessels at CSL's Kochi yard, sharing the workload.

The batteries for these tugs will be sourced within India, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative. Polestar Maritime won the charter contract for the tugs through the GTTP, reinforcing the programme's goal of modernising port infrastructure. CSL has welcomed the order, stating it strengthens their commitment to transforming maritime transport.

This order is part of a broader effort under the GTTP, which now includes 35 green tugs either ordered or under construction by the end of 2025. Ten of these have already been approved for 2024. CSL's current projects include 17 tugs in total, with six of them classified as green tugs at different construction stages.

CSL and Udupi-CSL have previously introduced Robert Allan's designs in India, supporting the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign. The new tugs will help reduce pollution in busy ports while maintaining high operational standards.

The two battery-electric tugs will enter service at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, cutting emissions in daily harbour work. Their construction also boosts local manufacturing under India's industrial policies. With more green tugs planned, the GTTP continues to expand its fleet of eco-friendly vessels across the country.