Echandia 4.4 MWh battery system to enable zero-emission harbour operations at Kandla Port under India’s Green Tug Transition Program
Echandia has been selected to supply the battery system for India’s first fully electric tug, marking a major milestone in the country’s maritime decarbonisation efforts. The tug will be deployed at Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla Port) under the Government of India’s Green Tug Transition Program. The tug will be equipped with a 4.4 MWh Echandia battery system, enabling fully electric, zero-emission operations at one of India’s most important port hubs.
The battery system is designed for a 15-year lifetime, matching the full duration of the operational agreement between Ripley Group and the Deendayal Port Authority. After winning the charter tender, Ripley Group appointed Kongsberg Maritime as system integrator. Echandia was selected through a competitive tender to supply the battery system.
A key requirement for the battery system was 30,000 cycles over the 15-year period without mid-life battery replacement. Echandia was the only supplier able to guarantee this with certainty. Delivery of the system is scheduled for Q3 2026.
“This project is an important step for India’s green maritime transition and for high-performance electric tug operations. India is an important market for us and we are proud to deliver the battery system for India’s first fully electric tug, and to support Kandla Port and the GTTP program in building a cleaner and more efficient port ecosystem.”, says Torbjörn Bäck, CEO at Echandia.
The fully electric tug is the first vessel in a program that will include 16 more by 2027. Beyond this, approximately 150 new electric tugs are planned, with the goal of reaching 400 new vessels by 2040.
Echandia already has a strong track record in India, including previous deliveries to water buses in Kochi and for the Varanasi ferry system.
“As an early leader in India’s maritime electrification, Echandia is proud to play a role in accelerating the decarbonisation of ports and inland waterways, and to collaborate with the nation’s shipbuilders as they expand internationally.”, says Rakshith Sachitanand, Senior Strategist at Echandia
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