Svitzer and Cochin Shipyard Sign Landmark Agreement to Build Electric TRAnsverse Tugs in India

Mumbai, 2 November 2025 — Global towage operator Svitzer has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to develop and construct a new generation of electric TRAnsverse tugs in India. The agreement, signed during India Maritime Week in Mumbai, marks a major milestone in Svitzer’s global electrification strategy and underscores India’s emergence as a hub for green maritime manufacturing.

Advancing Green Towage and Local Manufacturing

Under the LoI, Svitzer and CSL will collaborate on plans to design and build electric TRAnsverse tugboats at CSL’s facilities in Kochi. The partnership reflects Svitzer’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and aims to introduce one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable tug designs to support India’s green port and green towage ambitions.

The collaboration will leverage Svitzer’s expertise in sustainable towage operations and CSL’s proven shipbuilding capabilities, while tapping into India’s engineering talent, supply chain strength, and innovation ecosystem.

Cutting-Edge Tug Design

Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tugs are recognised for their exceptional manoeuvrability, energy efficiency, and precision control in confined harbour environments. These qualities enhance operational safety and reduce both fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with global decarbonisation efforts in the maritime sector.

Industry Leaders on the Collaboration

“With this LoI we are taking a decisive step on our electrification journey,” said Kasper Nilaus, CEO of Svitzer. “India’s shipbuilding ecosystem — and CSL’s proven track record — make Cochin a great place to further develop and build the TRAnsverse. We see strong alignment with the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. By pairing Svitzer’s nearly 200 years of towage experience with Indian engineering and manufacturing strength, we aim to deliver cleaner, safer and more efficient harbour operations for customers in India and around the world.”

“These vessels are intended for Svitzer’s global fleet renewal and growth markets, and will also create opportunities for a locally built, world-class design to be deployed in Indian port and terminal operations,” he added.

Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, commented: “We look forward to working closely with Svitzer to make plans for building the next generation TRAnsverse tug in India. This collaboration will showcase CSL’s world-class capabilities, deepen local supply chains and talent, and accelerate the availability of green, high-performance tugboats for ports at home and abroad.”

Supporting India’s Green Maritime Vision

The partnership between Svitzer and Cochin Shipyard aligns with India’s Maritime Vision 2030 goals to advance sustainable port operations and develop indigenous shipbuilding capacity for clean technologies. It also reinforces India’s growing role in shaping the future of green and digital shipping.