Swedish maritime battery specialist Echandia has been selected to supply the energy storage system for India’s first fully electric harbour tug, marking a significant milestone in the country’s green maritime transition.
The zero-emission tug will operate at Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla) in Gujarat and is being developed under the Government of India’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), which aims to decarbonise port operations nationwide.
Echandia will deliver a 4.4 MWh advanced battery system, designed to support intensive harbour operations while ensuring zero emissions, reduced noise levels and lower operating costs. The system is engineered for a 15-year service life and is capable of delivering over 30,000 charge cycles without requiring mid-life battery replacement.
The project is being executed by Ripley Group, the tug operator, with Kongsberg Maritime acting as system integrator, incorporating Echandia’s battery technology into the fully electric propulsion package.
The electric tug is scheduled for delivery in 2026 and is expected to play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution at one of India’s busiest ports.
India plans to deploy 16 electric tugs by 2027, with a long-term target of expanding the fleet to around 150 vessels, eventually scaling up to 400 green harbour craft by 2040 as part of its broader maritime sustainability roadmap.
Echandia already has a growing footprint in India, having supplied battery systems for electric ferries and water transport projects, reinforcing its role in the country’s shift toward cleaner maritime solutions.
