Svitzer, a global leader in towage and marine services, announced the signing of a shipbuilding agreement with Cochin Shipyard Limited, India’s largest public sector shipyard. Under the agreement, Cochin Shipyard will construct four 26-metre electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs, marking a significant step in Svitzer’s commitment to sustainable operations and the renewal of its global fleet.
The agreement confirms a Letter of Intent signed in October 2025 at India Maritime Week and marks the move from intent to a contracted new build agreement.
Under the agreement, Cochin Shipyard will build a minimum of four battery-electric TRAnsverse 2600e tugs for Svitzer, with an option for up to four additional vessels. The tugs will be constructed to Svitzer’s specifications at Cochin Shipyard ’s facilities in Cochin to serve as global fleet renewal and advancement in operations worldwide. The vessels complement a wider newbuilding program of the TRAnsverse tug design, cementing Svitzer’s confidence in the vessel’s capabilities while also opening opportunities for future deployment in Indian ports and terminals.
The deal brings together Svitzer’s global expertise in sustainable towage solutions with Cochin Shipyard ’s proven shipbuilding capabilities, skilled workforce and local innovation. It supports India’s ambition to become a global maritime manufacturing and skills hub under Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the “Make in India” initiative.
The TRAnsverse 2600e tugs are the electric version of the next-generation tug design proving itself as the world’s most advanced and efficient tug. The ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of tugs: the TRAnsverse design can operate in complex and close-quarter operating contexts, with all ship types and sizes in challenging weather and tidal conditions. The vessels will feature battery-electric propulsion and offer port and terminal operations zero direct emissions during harbour operations when charged from green power sources.
Designed by Robert Allan with Svitzer, the tug’s patented staple with double-ended hull and in-line propulsion with omni-directional thrust expands the dynamic operating envelope in towage of up to 50%.
Kasper Karlsen, Chief Operating Officer, 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 Cochin Shipyard, 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.
We welcome the opportunity to work closely with the Cochin Shipyard team to deliver these vessels and, in doing so, to support the goals of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 in a very practical way.”
Dr Harikrishnan S, Operations Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited, said: “We look forward to delivering the next generation of tug, the TRAnsverse 2600e, drawing on Cochin Shipyard’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.
The programme will deepen our expertise in electric propulsion, high‑precision manoeuvring systems and integrated digital solutions for ports and terminals, while creating opportunities for our engineers, designers and local supply chain.
As a Government of India company, we remain committed to Make in India and to the decarbonisation of maritime transport. Together with Svitzer, our goal is to deliver a world‑class asset with significant decarbonisation credentials for ports in India and around the world.”
The first four vessels under the agreement are expected to enter construction over the coming months, with the first delivery targeted no earlier than late 2027 / early 2028, subject to detailed design, yard scheduling and regulatory approvals. Further vessels may follow in line with Svitzer’s fleet renewal plans and customer demand.
