Kochi: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has commenced the steel cutting for three advanced battery-electric Transverse 2600e tugs — BY-173, BY-174 and BY-175 — being built for Svitzer, Denmark.
The milestone marks the beginning of construction of the next-generation vessels and highlights CSL’s growing capabilities in building advanced, sustainable and future-ready vessels for global maritime customers.
Steel Cutting Ceremony for Svitzer Tugs
The steel cutting ceremony was led by Jens Ove Kymler Rasmussen, New Building Site Manager, Svitzer. The event was attended by senior officials and representatives from CSL, Svitzer and the classification society.
Key attendees included:
- Dr Harikrishnan S, Director (Operations), CSL
- Harikumar A, CEO, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL)
- Shiraz V P, Executive Director (Shipbuilding), CSL
- Representatives of Svitzer and the vessel owners
- Representatives of ABS, the classification society
- Other senior officials of Cochin Shipyard Limited
The milestone reinforces CSL’s capabilities in advanced shipbuilding and strengthens its partnership with global maritime customers.
Read also: CSL Signs MoU With Synergy Marine Group to Strengthen India’s Shipbuilding and Maritime Capabilities
Battery-Electric Tugs to Support Green Maritime Operations
The shipbuilding agreement was signed last year for four next-generation battery-electric Transverse 2600e tugs. The latest steel-cutting ceremony covers three of these vessels.
The Transverse tugs have been designed for demanding close-quarter operations and can operate across a wide range of vessel types and sizes.
Key features include:
- Battery-electric propulsion
- Designed for demanding close-quarter operations
- Capability to handle different vessel types and sizes
- Suitable for challenging weather and tidal conditions
- Zero direct emissions during port and terminal towage operations when charged with green power
The construction of these electric/hybrid tugs underlines CSL’s focus on green shipbuilding and its efforts to strengthen its presence in the global market for environmentally friendly marine vessels.
CSL Strengthens Green Shipbuilding Capabilities
The project reflects the growing importance of cleaner propulsion technologies in the maritime sector. By building battery-electric tugs, CSL is supporting efforts to reduce emissions from port and terminal towage operations.
CSL Chairman Jose V J said the partnership with Svitzer is an important step towards innovation and greener maritime operations.
He said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation and sustainable maritime operations and added that CSL would continue to bring its shipbuilding capabilities and expertise in advanced vessels to the forefront.
According to Jose V J, such initiatives will contribute to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
CSL Expands Its Green Tug Order Book
CSL Group’s current order book includes:
- 17 Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) tugs
- 6 green tugs
In addition to the Svitzer project, CSL is also constructing two Green Tug Transition Programme tugs, further strengthening its focus on sustainable maritime solutions.
The growing order book highlights CSL’s expanding capabilities in tug construction and advanced green vessel technologies.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is a leading Indian shipbuilding and ship repair company under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The company undertakes construction and repair of various types of vessels and is expanding its capabilities in advanced, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable maritime technologies.
