First Indian-built hybrid-electric tug Yohan launched as Shoft secures second order

Shoft Shipyard has launched what it describes as India’s first battery-electric tug with hybrid propulsion built in the country, as Indian shipyards expand their focus on electric and hybrid vessels for port operations.

The 30-m tug, newbuild 316, named Yohan, was launched on 30 June 2026 at Shoft Shipyard’s facility on the Narmada River in Bharuch district, Gujarat. The vessel is now undergoing completion and commissioning.

The project is being developed under the Indian government-backed Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) and the Make in India strategy, which are aimed at encouraging investment in domestic shipbuilding and supporting the transition towards greener port operations.

Yohan equipped with 1,260 eKW battery capacity

Yohan has a battery capacity of 1,260 eKW and is also equipped with two main diesel generators rated at 880 kW each. The electrical system generates power at 690 V and 60 Hz.

The propulsion arrangement drives two fixed-pitch propellers and a Schottel azimuth thruster. The Indian Register of Shipping-classed tug is designed to deliver 30 tonnes of bollard pull and a free-sailing speed of 12 knots.

The vessel has a beam of 9.5 m, a depth of 4.7 m and a draught of 2.8 m. Accommodation is provided for 12 personnel.

Its equipment includes a three-person workboat with davit, while the engine room is fitted with a CO2 firefighting system.

Marine Electricals supports electrical integration

Marine Electricals (India) supported Shoft Shipyard with the supply, installation and integration of the tug’s electrical systems.

The deck machinery includes a hydraulic towing winch and towing hook, each with a safe working load of 32 tonnes. An electrically driven anchor and mooring windlass is also installed.

Shoft said the vessel “sets a new benchmark for sustainable maritime solutions and reinforces India’s commitment to a greener future.”

The tug is being developed as part of government-backed initiatives intended to increase investment in Indian shipbuilding and accelerate the adoption of cleaner propulsion technologies in port and harbour vessels.

Shoft secures second battery-electric tug order

Shoft Shipyard has also secured an order for another battery-electric harbour tug from Kolkata-based Industrial Handling.

The new tug will be constructed to a design developed by Robert Allan Ltd, with Marine Electricals (India) supporting the electrical systems. The vessel will have a bollard pull of 60 tonnes.

The second order follows the launch of Yohan and indicates continued interest in battery-electric harbour tugs for applications requiring high manoeuvrability and frequent port operations.

Cochin Shipyard building four electric tugs for Svitzer

Elsewhere in India, Cochin Shipyard began construction at the end of August on four battery-electric ship-escort tugs for Svitzer.

The 26-m vessels are based on the TRAnsverse 2600e design. Each tug will be equipped with 4.8 MWh battery packs, along with direct current and alternating current switchboards, permanent magnet motors and two L-drive azimuth thrusters supplied by Kongsberg Maritime.

The projects by Shoft Shipyard and Cochin Shipyard form part of a broader expansion of battery-electric and hybrid tug construction in India, particularly for port and ship-assist operations.