Svitzer signs off Indian electric tug building plan
Towage mammoth Svitzer has signed a Letter of Intent to have an disclosed number of electric tugs built at the Cochin Shipyard (CSL) in India.
”The agreement marks a clear step forward in Svitzer’s electrification roadmap and in strengthening India’s role as a global maritime manufacturing hub,” said Svitzer, which announced delivery of its first electric tug only in July this year.
The TRAnsverse Robert Allan designs will be built as a ‘new generation’ addition to the Svitzer global fleet, which currently numbers around 460 vessels, including tugs, specialised emergency-response vessels and barges.
One of the design features of the TRAnsverse design, often dubbed the ‘Swiss Army knife of tugs’, is its manoeuvrability and efficiency, offering precise control in confined waters, says Svitzer.
“With this LoI we are taking a decisive step on our electrification journey,” said Svitzer CEO Kasper Nilaus. “India’s shipbuilding ecosystem – and CSL’s proven track record – make Cochin a great place to further develop and build the TRAnsverse.”
The tugs come in 26m, 29m, 32m and 35m sizes and can be made with hybrid, dual-fuel and conventional propulsion systems as well.
Svitzer did not specify where the tugs will be destined for other than its ’global fleet renewal and growth markets’, and it is likely they will be deployed in Indian port and terminal operations, the company said.
The Letter of Intent was signed in India during the country’s Maritime Week in Mumbai.
“This collaboration will showcase CSL’s capabilities, deepen local supply chains and talent and accelerate the availability of green, high-performance tugboats for ports at home and abroad,” said CSL chairman and managing director Madhu S. Nair.
