Echandia, based in Stockholm, has been selected by Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works to deliver battery systems for two new all-electric tugboats in India. These vessels are intended to operate at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and the V.O.C. Port Authority in Tuticorin. This initiative is part of India's broader Green Tug Transition Program, which aims to decrease emissions from port operations and facilitate a shift from traditional diesel-powered harbor tugs to more environmentally friendly alternatives.
This order represents the initial deployment of Echandia's recently introduced Core battery system within the Indian market. The two new tugs, designed by Navnautik Technical Services Pvt, are anticipated to commence operations during the second quarter of the specified year. For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development signifies a continued global trend towards decarbonization in port logistics. While not directly impacting mainline vessel operations or rates, the adoption of electric tugs contributes to cleaner port environments, potentially influencing port selection for shippers prioritizing sustainability and potentially leading to reduced port charges related to emissions in the long term.
