Kongsberg Secures Contract For World’s First Full Electric Tug Integration In India

Kongsberg Maritime has won a contract to supply the full equipment package for India’s first fully electric tug, a key milestone in the country’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). The initiative also represents the world’s first full electrical tug integration.

The order was placed by Mandovi Drydocks in partnership with the Ripley Group. Under the agreement, Kongsberg will provide its advanced electrical systems including energy storage solutions (ESS), automation and control systems such as K-Chief and K-Chief PMS, permanent magnet (PM) driven azimuth thrusters, digital solutions like Vessel Insight and Vessel Performance, along with complete system integration.

Operational support throughout the vessel’s lifecycle will be handled by Kongsberg Maritime India’s Global Customer Support team, giving assurance to both the owner and port operator.

While Kongsberg has previously supplied technology for several hybrid “e-tug” projects, this marks the company’s first full-electric tug contract. The tug has been designed by NavNautik India and will have a bollard pull of 60 tons. It is scheduled for delivery and commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will be deployed at Deendayal Port in Gujarat, one of the key GTTP sites identified by the Government of India.

Company representatives called the contract both a technological breakthrough and a sign of trust from the Indian maritime sector.

Officials from Kongsberg Maritime pointed out that electric tugboats are very different from conventional mechanical tugs, and operators need confidence that the new systems can meet emission-reduction targets.

They explained that offering a complete solution, from propeller to battery, helped the company win Mandovi Drydocks and Ripley Group’s trust in meeting the goals set under the GTTP programme.

The Ripley Group, through its subsidiaries Netincon Marketing and Ripley Shipping, is leading the project alongside shipbuilder Mandovi Drydocks and designer NavNautik.

A company spokesperson said the decision to partner with Kongsberg Maritime was based on the comprehensive nature of its package, its alignment with GTTP requirements, and the firm’s proven experience and expertise.

Reference: kongsberg

Source: Maritime Shipping News