Denmark names first electric tug

The event marked a major milestone for sustainable shipping in the region and celebrated the continued partnership between Sanmar Shipyards and SVITZER.

Built by Turkey-based Sanmar Shipyards, the SVITZER INGRID is the first fully electric tug to join SVITZER’s international fleet and the thirtieth tug Sanmar has delivered to the operator in nearly 20 years.

Based on the ElectRA 2500SX design by Canadian naval architects Robert Allan, SVITZER INGRID measures 25.4 metres in length, with a 12.86m beam and 5.40m draft.

It features a 1,808kWh battery system, 70-tonne bollard pull and FFV1 fire-fighting capability, enabling it to complete up to 90% of operations using battery power alone. The vessel can recharge in just one hour using renewable shorepower and is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions in the Øresund region by 600–900 tonnes annually.

SVITZER INGRID is Sanmar’s ninth fully electric tug and one of more than half a dozen zero-emission vessels currently under construction at its Turkish shipyards.

With ever-tightening fossil-fuel regulations, electric tugs are becoming more of a focus with others joining the race to develop them. Sanmar has already delivered all-electric tugs to Canada, Chile, Norway and Turkey.

The tug’s name follows SVITZER’s tradition of using Nordic mythological figures and also honours Danish royalty.