India's Green Fleet: Electric Tug at Kandla Port Signals New Era

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – January 13, 2026 – India is set to launch its first fully electric tugboat at one of its busiest maritime hubs, the Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla, Gujarat. Swedish battery system specialist Echandia has been selected to provide the high-performance power source for the vessel, a landmark project under the Government of India's ambitious Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).

The move marks a significant step in India's strategy to decarbonize its extensive port operations and positions the nation as a key player in the global shift towards sustainable shipping. The vessel, chartered by the Ripley Group, will be equipped with a 4.4 MWh Echandia battery system, enabling entirely zero-emission operations in the bustling port.

A Landmark for India's Green Maritime Vision

This inaugural electric tug is the first tangible result of the Green Tug Transition Program, a cornerstone of India's broader 'Panch Karma Sankalp' initiative for green shipping. Launched in 2024, the GTTP mandates that the country's major ports begin transitioning their fleets to green alternatives, starting with hybrid systems and moving towards fully electric, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen-powered vessels.

The program's goals are aggressive. By 2030, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways aims to have at least 50% of the tugboat fleet converted to green tugs. This initial project at Kandla is the first of 17 new electric tugs planned by 2027, with a long-term target of deploying 400 new green vessels by 2040. This effort aligns with India's overarching Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, a long-term blueprint for creating a sustainable, modern, and globally competitive maritime sector.

Deendayal Port, which handled over 132 million metric tonnes of cargo last year, is a strategic choice for this pioneering initiative. As one of India's largest ports by cargo volume, its successful adoption of electric tug technology will serve as a powerful proof-of-concept for the rest of the country's port ecosystem. The port is already designated as a future green hydrogen hub, and the introduction of this electric tug solidifies its role as a leader in India's environmental transition.

The Technological Heart of the Electric Tug

The viability of an electric tug, a vessel that performs demanding, high-torque maneuvers daily, hinges on the durability and reliability of its battery system. Echandia secured the contract through a competitive tender process largely due to a critical performance guarantee that set it apart from competitors.

The Swedish firm has guaranteed its battery system for an operational lifetime of 15 years, or 30,000 charge-discharge cycles, without requiring a costly mid-life battery replacement. This longevity matches the full duration of the charter agreement between Ripley Group and the port authority, providing crucial long-term operational and financial predictability.

"This project is an important step for India's green maritime transition and for high-performance electric tug operations," said Torbjörn Bäck, CEO at Echandia, in a statement. "India is an important market for us and we are proud to deliver the battery system for India's first fully electric tug, and to support Kandla Port and the GTTP program in building a cleaner and more efficient port ecosystem."

Echandia is not new to the Indian market. The company has previously supplied battery systems for the electric water buses in Kochi and for the ferry system in Varanasi, building a track record of reliability in the country's diverse maritime conditions. Delivery of the tugboat's battery system is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.

Assembling the Pieces: A Collaborative Effort

The project represents a collaboration between several key players in the maritime industry. After winning the charter tender, Ripley Group, a leading Indian logistics and port services provider, appointed the global technology firm Kongsberg Maritime as the system integrator.

Kongsberg is responsible for delivering a fully integrated equipment package, a significant milestone for the company as it marks their first contract for a fully electric tug. The package includes permanent magnet azimuth thrusters, advanced electrical and automation systems, and digital solutions for vessel insight and performance monitoring. This integrated approach ensures all components, from the propellers to the battery management system, work in harmony for optimal efficiency and reliability.

The selection of world-class partners like Kongsberg and Echandia by an established Indian operator like Ripley Group underscores the project's importance and the commitment to ensuring its success as a national demonstrator.

The Ripple Effect: Economic and Environmental Gains

The shift from conventional diesel tugs to electric power promises substantial environmental and economic benefits. Operationally, the electric tug will produce zero local emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, directly improving air quality in and around the port. A single electric tug of this type can be expected to eliminate approximately 1,700 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually compared to its diesel-powered counterpart.

Economically, the advantages are equally compelling. While the initial capital investment for an electric vessel is higher, operational expenditures are significantly lower. Electric tugs can reduce fuel costs by over 50% and maintenance overheads by up to 40% due to having far fewer moving parts than a complex diesel engine. This results in a lower total cost of ownership over the vessel's lifespan, a key factor in the economic viability of the GTTP.

This project in Kandla is more than just a single vessel; it is a catalyst for a nationwide industrial transformation. Echandia's Senior Strategist, Rakshith Sachitanand, highlighted the broader implications. "As an early leader in India's maritime electrification, Echandia is proud to play a role in accelerating the decarbonisation of ports and inland waterways, and to collaborate with the nation's shipbuilders as they expand internationally," he stated. The success of this first electric tug will pave the way for a large-scale fleet conversion, creating a new domestic market for green shipbuilding and positioning India's ports at the forefront of the sustainable shipping revolution.