Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with global towage major Svitzer to construct a new generation of electric TRAnsverse tugs in India. The agreement was finalized on October 30 during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.
According to the company’s filing, the collaboration marks a key milestone in advancing India’s maritime manufacturing capabilities and aligns with the country’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. These electric TRAnsverse tugs are designed to offer high manoeuvrability, enhanced safety in port waters, and significantly lower emissions — supporting India’s push toward greener port logistics and towage operations.
Svitzer will leverage CSL’s shipbuilding strengths and India’s engineering ecosystem to develop the vessels, which are expected to not only serve its global fleet but also potentially cater to domestic port requirements in the future. The LOI signals Svitzer’s long-term commitment to “Make in India” and reflects CSL’s growing leadership in green shipbuilding technologies.
The tugs, known for precision handling in confined waters, are part of Svitzer’s broader electrification roadmap and global fleet renewal strategy. Further commercial details and order confirmations will be announced at a later stage.
The partnership reinforces India’s role in sustainable maritime manufacturing and is seen as a significant step toward decarbonising harbour operations, with advanced electric tug solutions planned for both global and Indian markets.
