ABB to bring Power and Propulsion to India’s First Electric Harbor Tugs

What happened: ABB secured a contract with Cochin Shipyard to supply power and propulsion systems for two electric tugs. The vessels are scheduled for delivery to Polestar Maritime in 2027 under Phase 1 of India’s Green Tug Transition Programme. They will operate at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority.

Why it matters: ABB’s scope covers electrical, propulsion, automation, and digitalization systems. Its Onboard DC Grid platform and PEMS energy management system form the core solution, drawing on onboard batteries to handle varying power demand. A remote diagnostic system will support condition monitoring and troubleshooting.

Industry context: The Green Tug Transition Programme aims to shift harbour tug fleet from diesel to greener power across five phases between 2024 and 2040. JNPA is largest national container port, handling about half of containerized cargo across the country’s major ports. 

Our take: ABB makes an early entry in what can be a multi-decade fleet conversion phase, giving its marine electrification platform a reference deployment in a large and growing port market.