Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on tugboat operations in India. The agreement was formalised on October 27 during the India Maritime Week 2025 held in Mumbai.
The partnership aims to address the growing demand for tugboat services as India’s port activity increases. With the country’s economic expansion expected to drive annual growth of 6–8 per cent in container cargo and 3–5 per cent in energy cargo over the next decade, ports are anticipating a rise in vessel traffic. The need for additional tugboats to assist in the berthing and unberthing of ships is expected to grow accordingly.
The collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s Green Tug Transition Programme, which seeks to convert all tugboats operating at major ports to low-emission ‘green tugs’ by 2040. The initiative forms part of efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions from port operations.
MOL currently operates tugboat businesses in Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Under the new partnership, the company plans to use its experience in safe operations and alternative fuel technologies while working with SCI’s local network to strengthen tugboat services in India.
MOL said that the cooperation would support the safe handling of vessels at ports and contribute to reducing emissions from port operations.
