Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Shipping Corporation of India Sign MoU to Collaborate on Tugboat Operations

Mumbai, India — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) to collaborate in the tugboat sector across India. The agreement was formalized on October 27 during India Maritime Week 2025, a five-day international maritime event held in Mumbai.

Partnership Aims to Strengthen India’s Tugboat Industry

The collaboration between MOL and SCI comes as India’s maritime sector prepares for increased demand in port operations. Driven by robust economic growth, India’s container cargo is projected to grow by 6%–8% annually, while energy cargo is expected to rise by 3%–5% over the next decade. With higher vessel traffic anticipated at major ports, the need for additional tugboats to ensure safe berthing and unberthing operations is set to grow substantially.

The partnership will explore joint opportunities to enhance tugboat capacity and operational safety at Indian ports. It will also focus on developing environmentally friendly technologies in line with India’s Green Tug Transition Program, which aims to convert all major port tugboats into low-emission “Green Tugs” by 2040.

Supporting India’s Green Maritime Transition

MOL brings decades of operational experience from its tugboat businesses in Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. The company plans to leverage SCI’s strong local network and market understanding to expand tug operations in India. The collaboration will focus on integrating MOL’s expertise in alternative-fuel-powered vessels and safe operating practices to support India’s decarbonization goals for port operations.

In a statement, MOL said it will “utilize SCI’s extensive network within India, along with its own experience and technology in safe operations and alternative fuel-powered vessels, to expand its tugboat services in this vital region while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ports.”

Background: India’s Green Tug Transition

Launched under the Indian government’s green shipping initiative, the Green Tug Transition Program aims to deploy the first set of green tugs by 2027. The initiative marks a significant step toward reducing the maritime sector’s carbon footprint and aligns with India’s broader objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Key Highlights

• Partnership: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (Japan) and Shipping Corporation of India (India)
• MoU Signed: October 27, 2025, during India Maritime Week in Mumbai
• Objective: Collaboration on tugboat operations, safety, and decarbonization
• Market Context: India expects 6–8% annual growth in container cargo; 3–5% in energy cargo
• Green Tug Program: Transition to fully eco-friendly tugboats by 2040