Svitzer, a global towage provider, and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Bharat’s largest public sector shipyard, have signed a shipbuilding agreement for four 26-metre electric TRAnsverse (“TRAnsverse 2600E”) tugs to be constructed in India for Svitzer’s global fleet renewal and growth plans.
The agreement confirms a Letter of Intent signed in October 2025 during India Maritime Week.
Under the agreement, CSL will build a minimum of four battery-electric TRAnsverse 2600E tugs for Svitzer, with an option for up to four additional vessels. The tugs will be constructed at CSL’s facilities in Cochin to Svitzer’s specifications to serve as global fleet renewal and advancement in operations worldwide.
The vessels complement a wider newbuilding program of the advanced new TRAnsverse tug design, cementing Svitzer’s confidence in the vessel’s capabilities while also opening opportunities for future deployment in Indian ports and terminals.
The deal brings together Svitzer’s expertise in advanced and sustainable towage solutions with CSL’s proven shipbuilding capabilities, skilled workforce and local innovation. It supports India’s ambition to become a global maritime manufacturing and skills hub under Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the “Make in India” initiative.
The TRAnsverse 2600e tugs are the electric version of the next-generation tug design as the world’s most advanced and efficient tug.
The ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of tugs: the design enables the tugs to operate in complex and close-quarter operating contexts, with all ship types and sizes in challenging weather and tidal conditions. The vessels will feature battery-electric propulsion and offer port and terminal operations zero direct emissions during harbour operations when charged from green power sources.
The tug’s Patented staple with double-ended hull and in-line propulsion with omni-directional thrust expands the dynamic operating envelope in towage up to 50%.
Kasper Nilaus, CEO of Svitzer, said: “This contract with Cochin Shipyard for our next series of electric TRAnsverse tugs reflects our commitment to Make in India and to support port and terminal operations in their green transition and decarbonisation objectives.
“India has strong shipbuilding capabilities, a highly skilled workforce and we are aligned with their future maritime ambitions. Through this collaboration with CSL, we are not only investing in a series of advanced tugs for our own operations – we are also helping to build capacity for world-class, low- and zero-emission tug construction in India – signalling our trust in India’s existing capability and maritime vision.”
Madhu S Nair, Cochin Shipyard Limited, said: “We look forward to delivering the next generation of tug, the TRAnsverse 2600e, drawing on CSL’s skilled workforce and our track record in complex, high spec vessels. This agreement represents a natural expansion of our capabilities into advanced tug design and the industrialisation of battery, electric and future fuel ready technologies in India.
As a Government of India company, we remain committed to Make in India and to the decarbonisation of maritime transport. Together with Svitzer, our goal is to deliver a world class asset with significant decarbonisation credentials for ports in India and around the world.”
The first four vessels under the agreement are expected to enter construction in the third quarter of 2026, with the first delivery targeted no earlier than late 2027 / early 2028, subject to detailed design, yard scheduling and regulatory approvals. Further vessels may follow in line with Svitzer’s fleet renewal plans and customer demand.
Svitzer is a leading global towage and marine services provider. Its core business is to assist large seagoing vessels as they manoeuvre in and out of ports and terminals. With a fleet of around 450 vessels, Svitzer’s services form a critical part of port infrastructure worldwide.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is India’s largest public sector shipyard and a Schedule ‘A’ Miniratna company under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The yard in Kochi has delivered some of India’s largest commercial vessels and the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy, and is consistently rated among the top public sector undertakings in India.
