Svitzer has formalised its plan to introduce battery electric TRAnsverse tugs into its global fleet with a newbuilding contract at Cochin Shipyard Limited. The agreement confirms four vessels with options for four more. The move reflects the towage operator’s strategy to bring low emission tug capability into mainstream port and terminal operations.
Svitzer has taken a significant step in its fleet renewal programme by signing a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the construction of four electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs. The vessels will form part of the company’s global towage operations and sit within a broader newbuilding plan centred on the TRAnsverse design, which has been proving itself in complex harbour environments.
The agreement follows a Letter of Intent signed earlier this year and places construction of the first series of electric units at CSL’s yard in Cochin. The design is viewed by Svitzer as a core element in its long term approach to cleaner port operations, with the tugs intended for use across its network in Northern Europe, South America and Australia.
The TRAnsverse 2600e will incorporate battery electric propulsion and operate with zero direct emissions in harbour activities when charged from green power sources. The design includes a patented staple with a double ended hull and in line propulsion, which Svitzer says expands the operating envelope in towage and improves performance in tight and high demand conditions.
Kasper Karlsen, Chief Operating Officer at Svitzer, said, “This contract with Cochin Shipyard for our next series of electric TRAnsverse tugs reflects our commitment to Make in India and to support port and terminal operations in their green transition and decarbonisation objectives. India has strong shipbuilding capabilities and a highly skilled workforce. Through this collaboration with CSL, we are not only investing in a series of advanced tugs for our own operations – we are also helping to build capacity for world-class, low- and zero-emission tug construction in India – signalling our trust in India’s existing capability and maritime vision.”
CSL sees the project as a chance to expand its work in advanced tug design. Dr Harikrishnan S, Operations Director at Cochin Shipyard Limited, said, “We look forward to delivering the next generation of tug, the TRAnsverse 2600e, drawing on CSL’s skilled workforce and our track record in complex, high-spec vessels. This agreement represents a natural expansion of our capabilities into advanced tug design and the industrialisation of battery-electric and future-fuel-ready technologies in India.”
Construction of the first vessel is expected to begin in the coming months, with delivery planned from late 2027 or early 2028. Svitzer has indicated that further orders may follow in line with fleet requirements and customer demand, giving the operator a clear pathway toward wider adoption of low emission harbour towage assets.
