India’s transition towards lower-emission port infrastructure has taken another step forward after a Kolkata-based public sector shipbuilder secured a ₹37.94 crore contract to construct a battery-powered harbour tug for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. The project is expected to support cleaner vessel operations while reflecting a broader shift towards decarbonising port services and improving operational efficiency across urban maritime gateways.
The Electric Tug Project involves the design, construction and delivery of a 15-tonne bollard pull tug powered entirely by battery-electric propulsion. The vessel will primarily assist in towing and manoeuvring ships within harbour limits, replacing conventional diesel-powered operations for selected port activities. Tender records also show that the contract includes associated charging infrastructure, indicating a move beyond vessel procurement towards developing an integrated clean-energy ecosystem within the port.Ports remain among the largest contributors to localised air pollution in coastal cities due to emissions from ships, support craft and cargo-handling equipment. Urban planners note that electrifying auxiliary harbour vessels can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particulate pollution and operational noise in densely populated waterfront areas. Although a single tug will not transform emissions across the port, it represents an important pilot for wider adoption of electric marine technologies.Industry specialists say the Electric Tug Project also reflects changing procurement priorities within India’s maritime sector. Increasingly, port authorities are evaluating lifecycle operating costs alongside environmental performance as battery technology becomes more commercially viable. Lower maintenance requirements and reduced fuel dependency are expected to improve long-term operational economics despite higher upfront investment.
According to publicly available project information, the tug will be around 25 metres long and capable of delivering a static bollard pull of 15 tonnes. Designed for harbour assistance and towing duties, it is expected to operate for approximately two hours on battery power and reach speeds of up to nine knots. The vessel will also comply with recognised international classification standards for safety and construction.The development aligns with wider policy efforts encouraging greener ports, cleaner logistics and reduced dependence on fossil fuels across transport infrastructure. Experts believe that introducing electric support vessels could eventually complement shore power systems, renewable energy integration and digital port management, helping cities improve both environmental performance and operational resilience.
For Kolkata, where maritime trade remains closely linked to urban growth and regional commerce, investments in cleaner harbour infrastructure carry significance beyond the shipping industry. They have the potential to improve air quality around port precincts, encourage domestic manufacturing of low-emission marine technologies and provide a practical pathway for modernising ageing port assets. The success of this project is therefore likely to influence how future harbour infrastructure is planned and financed across India’s coastal cities.
