GRSE Emerges Lowest Bidder for Electric Harbour Tug Project at Kolkata Port

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the construction and delivery of a 15-tonne bollard pull (BP) electric tug for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, expanding its presence in India’s green maritime sector.

The project marks another step in GRSE’s growing portfolio of electric and hybrid vessels as ports across the country adopt cleaner technologies to reduce emissions and support sustainable harbour operations.

Battery-Electric Tug Designed for Harbour Operations

The electric tug will measure 25 metres in length with an 8-metre beam and will be powered entirely by battery-electric propulsion.

Designed for harbour assistance and towing duties, the vessel will deliver a static ahead bollard pull of 15 tonnes, have a maximum speed of 9 knots, and offer two hours of continuous operating endurance on battery power.

The tug will be constructed in accordance with International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) standards and will incorporate advanced battery propulsion technology aimed at reducing emissions during port operations.

Supporting India’s Maritime Decarbonisation Goals

The project aligns with the maritime sector’s increasing focus on decarbonisation through the deployment of electric and low-emission vessels.

Battery-powered harbour tugs are emerging as a practical solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in ports, particularly as governments and port authorities introduce greener operational standards.

GRSE Expands Green Shipbuilding Portfolio

GRSE has been expanding its capabilities in the construction of environmentally friendly vessels alongside its defence shipbuilding programmes.

The shipyard has previously delivered a fully electric, zero-emission ferry to the Government of West Bengal and is currently building 13 hybrid ferries for the state government.

In the commercial shipbuilding segment, GRSE is also constructing 12 multi-purpose vessels for a German customer, with four vessels featuring green propulsion systems.

The company is additionally progressing discussions for the construction of five Next Generation Corvettes, further strengthening its order book across defence and commercial sectors.

Diversifying Beyond Defence Shipbuilding

GRSE remains one of India’s leading defence shipbuilders, having delivered 118 warships to the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign countries.

The company said its in-house ship design capabilities, modern shipbuilding infrastructure and experience in constructing complex vessels continue to support its expansion into emerging areas of commercial and sustainable shipbuilding.