Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract to deliver a fully integrated equipment package for India’s first electric tug, marking a major step in the country’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).
The project is said to represent the first-ever full electrical tug integration and is a significant step forward in India’s maritime decarbonisation efforts.
Awarded by Mandovi Drydocks in partnership with Ripley Group, the contract includes Kongsberg Maritime’s permanent magnet (PM) driven azimuth thrusters, advanced electrical systems including energy storage (ESS), automation and control (K-Chief and K-Chief PMS), digital solutions (vessel insight and vessel performance), and full system integration.
Operational support will be provided by Kongsberg Maritime India’s global customer support team, ensuring confidence and lifecycle value for the owner and port operator.
Kongsberg Maritime is supplying technology solutions to a range of hybrid ‘e-tug’ projects, but this is the company’s first full-electric tug contract. The tug, of NavNautik India’s Design, will have 60t bollard pull and will be delivered and commissioned in Q4 2026. It will operate at Deendayal Port, in Gujarat, one of the key sites under the GTTP initiative promoted by the Government of India.
Annette Holte, Country Manager, Kongsberg Maritime India, said: “This is a proud moment for Kongsberg Maritime. This contract is not only a technological milestone as our first full-electric tug, but it’s also a strong signal of trust from the Indian maritime industry. Our team has worked tirelessly to support owners and yards throughout the GTTP process, and we’re excited to play a key role in delivering the first electric tug in India. It’s a great example of how global expertise and local collaboration can come together to drive sustainable innovation.”
Mark Callaway, Senior Sales Manager, Tug Systems, Kongsberg Maritime, added: “Electric tugboats are a significantly different vessel from traditional mechanical tugs, and owners and yards need confidence in these new emission-reducing technologies. By delivering a complete solution, from propellor to battery, we were able to earn Mandovi and Ripley’s trust that the final product will achieve their emission reduction goals set forth by the GTTP programme.”
The Netincon Marketing and Ripley Shipping are subsidiaries of the Ripley Group of companies, a logistics provider, port developer, and ship owner on the east coast of India. According to Ripley Group, together with the builder – Mandovi Drydocks Goa – and designer – Navnautics – the group found Kongsberg Maritime’s offer to be the most comprehensive and well-aligned with the specifications and GTTP requirements, while also being competitive. Considering this, along with Kongsberg’s experience in the field, the contract was awarded.
Image: Rendering of India’s first fully electric tug, equipped by Kongsberg Maritime (source: Kongsberg).
