Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to deliver a fully integrated equipment package for India's first electric tug, marking what it claims is the world's first full electrical tug integration.

The Norwegian maritime technology firm was awarded the contract by Mandovi Drydocks in partnership with Ripley Group as part of India's Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).

The contract includes Kongsberg's permanent magnet driven azimuth thrusters, electrical systems including energy storage, automation and control systems (K-Chief and K-Chief PMS), digital solutions (Vessel Insight and Vessel Performance), and full system integration.

The tug, designed by NavNautik India, will have a 60-tonne bollard pull and is scheduled for delivery and commissioning in Q4 2026. It will operate at Deendayal Port in Gujarat, one of the key sites under the GTTP initiative promoted by the Government of India.

Operational support will be provided by Kongsberg Maritime India's Global Customer Support team.

While Kongsberg supplies technology solutions to various hybrid 'e-tug' projects, this represents the company's first full-electric tug contract.

Annette Holte, Country Manager at Kongsberg Maritime India, said: "This contract is not only a technological milestone as our first full-electric tug, but it's also a strong signal of trust from the Indian maritime industry. Our team has worked tirelessly to support owners and yards throughout the GTTP process, and we're excited to play a key role in delivering the first electric tug in India."

Mark Callaway, Senior Sales Manager for Tug Systems at Kongsberg Maritime, remarked: "Electric tugboats are a different vessel from traditional mechanical tugs, and owners and yards need confidence in these new emission-reducing technologies. By delivering a complete solution, from propeller to battery, we were able to earn Mandovi and Ripley's trust that the final product will achieve their emission reduction goals set forth by the GTTP programme."

Kongsberg added: “Together with the builder - Mandovi Drydocks Goa - and designer - Navnautics - we found Kongsberg Maritime’s offer to be the most comprehensive and well-aligned with our specifications and GTTP requirements, while also being competitive. Considering this, along with their expertise and experience in the field, we have decided to collaborate with Kongsberg Maritime on the development of the first-ever fully battery-operated tug for Indian ports.”

Ripley Group is a logistics provider, port developer, and ship owner on the east coast of India.