ABB has partnered with Cochin Shipyard to supply power and propulsion systems for two electric harbor tugs under construction in India.
The vessels will be delivered to Polestar Maritime in 2027 as part of Phase 1 of India’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). They will operate at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port, which handles around 50% of containerized cargo volumes across the country’s major ports.
India launched the GTTP to replace conventional diesel-powered harbor tugs with greener alternatives. The program will roll out in five phases between 2024 and 2040.
ABB will provide electrical, propulsion, automation and digitalization systems for the vessels.
Its Onboard DC Grid™ platform and PEMS™ power and energy management system will form the core of the solution. These technologies will optimize battery use and support fluctuating power demand during tug operations.
The modular Onboard DC Grid™ platform will also improve drivetrain efficiency, extend operating range and simplify battery integration.
ABB will additionally supply its ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostic System for Marine. The platform will provide condition monitoring and remote troubleshooting capabilities to improve reliability and uptime.
“Integrating electric propulsion and advanced automation into harbor tugs is a complex engineering undertaking, and selecting the right technology partner was critical,” said Shri Jose VJ, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard.
He added that ABB’s experience and proven technology made the company the preferred partner for the project.
“We are building these vessels to last, to perform, and to demonstrate that Indian shipyards are ready to lead the industry’s green transition,” he noted.
Rune Braastad, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, said India’s Green Tug Transition Programme represents a major step toward lower-emission port operations.
“Being selected to provide the electrical, propulsion, and automation systems for JNPA and Cochin Shipyard’s first electric tug vessels reflects the trust India’s maritime sector has placed in ABB’s technology and our long track record in marine electrification,” he said.
The latest project expands ABB’s presence in India’s maritime sector.
The company recently supplied power, propulsion and automation systems for two hydrogen-fueled container vessels under construction for Samskip Group.
ABB has also supported electric vessel projects across Singapore, South Korea and Japan.
The project supports JNPA’s ambitions to achieve Green Port status while accelerating maritime decarbonization across India’s port ecosystem.
