Global towage leader Svitzer and India’s largest public-sector shipyard, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), have formalised a shipbuilding agreement for four 26‑metre battery-electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs.
The deal, moving beyond the Letter of Intent signed at India Maritime Week in October 2025, supports Svitzer’s fleet renewal and expansion plans worldwide.
Under the contract, CSL will construct the tugs to Svitzer’s specifications at its Cochin facilities, with an option for up to four additional vessels.
The TRAnsverse 2600e design, often described as the “Swiss Army Knife” of tugs, offers battery-electric propulsion, omnidirectional thrust, and a double-ended hull, allowing enhanced manoeuvrability in complex port and terminal operations.
When charged with green power, the vessels operate with zero direct emissions during harbour activities.
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Kasper Karlsen, COO of Svitzer, stated: “This agreement reflects our commitment to Make in India and to support the maritime sector’s green transition. Through CSL’s expertise, we are investing in advanced tugs while strengthening India’s capabilities in low- and zero-emission vessel construction.”
Madhu S Nair, CMD of CSL, added: “The TRAnsverse 2600e programme will deepen our expertise in electric propulsion, high‑precision manoeuvring, and digital integration, while creating opportunities for India’s engineers and local supply chains.”
Construction on the first four tugs is expected to begin in the coming months, with deliveries targeted for late 2027 / early 2028.
Additional units may follow in line with Svitzer’s fleet renewal strategy and customer demand, reinforcing India’s role as a growing hub for advanced, sustainable shipbuilding.
For more information:
Svitzer – https://svitzer.com/
