Echandia to Supply Battery Systems for Two Electric Tugs Under India’s Green Tug Transition Program

Echandia has been selected by Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works (KMEW) to supply battery systems for two fully electric harbour tugs being built under the Government of India’s Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).

The vessels will operate at Visakhapatnam Port Authority and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) in Tuticorin, supporting India’s efforts to reduce emissions from port operations through the deployment of zero-emission harbour tugs.

First Indian Deployment of Echandia Core Battery System

The project marks the first deployment in India of Echandia’s recently launched Core battery system.

According to the company, each battery system has been designed for a 15-year service life, matching the full concession period of the vessels. The approach is intended to eliminate the need for a mid-life battery replacement, reducing maintenance costs, operational downtime and service interruptions over the lifecycle of the tugs.

The vessels will be designed by Navnautik Technical Services Pvt. Ltd., the same naval architecture firm involved in the electric tug project for Kandla Port.

Builds on Existing Electric Vessel Projects in India

Echandia has previously supplied lithium-titanate oxide (LTO)-based battery systems for 23 Kochi Water Metro ferries, which have been in operation since 2023.

The latest order follows the company’s first GTTP-related project at Kandla Port, with the two new electric tugs expected to enter service during the second quarter of 2027.

To support long-term operations, Echandia said it has expanded its local service network in India through partnerships aimed at providing lifecycle support for electric vessel operators.

GTTP Aims to Decarbonise Port Operations

The Green Tug Transition Program is one of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ flagship initiatives to replace conventional diesel-powered harbour tugs with cleaner propulsion technologies across major Indian ports.

The programme is intended to reduce emissions from port operations while supporting the adoption of battery-electric and other low-emission tug technologies.

Saurabh Daswani, Managing Director of Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works, said:

“We selected Echandia based on their proven marine references, strong technical capabilities, and commitment to lifecycle support. For us, long-term reliability, safety, low total cost of ownership, and response were key decision factors, and Echandia demonstrated strength in each of these areas.”

Rakshith Sachitanand, Senior Strategist at Echandia, added:

“India is a long-term market for Echandia, and we have invested in local presence to support customers across the full life of their vessels. For tug operators, operational availability is the deciding factor. Our LTO chemistry and battery management system always gives crews an accurate state of charge and maximum bollard pull, so there are no surprises in operation. Once operators experience that consistency, confidence in electric tugs follow.”