Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has announced a major development with the award of its second contract for a next-generation Green Tug, further strengthening its position as a leader in India’s shift toward sustainable maritime operations. The latest order, valued at ₹384.33 crore including taxes, has been issued by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority for a 15-year period and covers the manning, operation, maintenance, and complete technical management of a contractor-owned ASTDS-GTTP Green Tug.
This milestone highlights the growing confidence in KMEW’s operational expertise and innovation-first approach. The company is already managing India’s first Green Tug, and the repeat order reinforces that its technology, performance standards, and long-term service capabilities are meeting the expectations of key stakeholders.
The new Green Tug will be equipped with an advanced battery-operated propulsion system designed to deliver zero-emission performance. With global shipping rapidly moving toward greener alternatives, this project aligns with wider decarbonization targets and supports the Visakhapatnam Port Authority’s sustainability roadmap. KMEW’s experience with battery management systems will play a crucial role in ensuring the tug’s reliability, safety, and lifecycle efficiency.
This second order from the Government of India under the Green Tug Transition Programme serves as a strong endorsement of the company’s technical competency and project execution capabilities. It also positions KMEW at the forefront of India’s maritime energy transition, opening doors to upcoming tenders in the expanding green-tug ecosystem.
The company expects substantial synergy benefits from this repeat order. With consolidated procurement of equipment and components for both tugs, KMEW will be able to optimize capital expenditure through bulk buying, standardized configurations, and improved supply chain efficiency. Alongside this, the duplication of engineering, integration, and project-management frameworks across the two vessels will reduce overheads and shorten delivery timelines, strengthening overall project economics.
By securing back-to-back contracts in the green-tug segment, KMEW is building a strong track record that enhances its competitiveness in a market estimated to be worth nearly ₹12,000 crore. As ports and coastal operators accelerate their shift toward low-emission vessels, the company is well-positioned to be a major contender for future government and private-sector projects.
