Berg Propulsion is to provide propulsion technology and electrical integration for the second and third vessels in India’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).

The two all-electric tugs are being built by Mumbai-headquartered KMEW Group on behalf of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Each Navnautik-designed unit will measure 33.55m in overall length, with an 11.6m moulded beam and a 4.5m draught. The harbour craft will be powered by lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) batteries, with dual diesel gensets installed for backup, and will each deliver 60 tonnes of bollard pull.

Both newbuilds are due to enter service in Q4 2027, subject to approval by the Indian Register of Shipping.

Berg’s package covers electric motors, contra-rotating L-type thrusters and full electrical integration, including smart operator propulsion. The Swedish propulsion specialist will also handle project management through Prasenjit Roy, a business developer based in Kolkata, who will oversee commissioning and installation.

Amrita Singh, account manager for new sales at Berg Propulsion, said: “Working closely with Navnautik, KMEW and the client, we successfully reduced the dimensions of the switchboard room by approximately 40% by positioning most of the propulsive equipment in the aft section of each tug.

“Berg Propulsion has integrated electric systems, engines and thrusters aboard hybrid-electric vessels for many years, and this deep understanding of engineering and design made transferring that knowledge to a fully electric tug design straightforward. It also freed up the designer to concentrate on their core objective: ensuring that everything on board fits optimally.”

Aniruddha Sen at Navnautik commented: “Factoring in electric powertrains can be challenging for any naval architect or designer, given that shipboard space is at a premium. This is especially the case aboard a tug. The compact nature of Berg Propulsion's integrated packages gave us a lot of flexibility to incorporate them into the general arrangement. The company had a clear vision regarding the onboard footprint, which also made the design phase a smooth and painless task.”

Singh added: “By reducing fuel consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving local air quality in port areas, these tugs will set a strong precedent for what is possible in future maritime projects across India. Following on from this groundbreaking project, Berg Propulsion looks forward to future opportunities to work with new and existing partners to help stakeholders in India make decisive changes in their use of propulsion technology.”

The GTTP aims to deploy 50 green tugs across India’s major ports by 2030. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ standard operating procedure for the scheme states that the first phase covers the procurement or chartering of green tugs by major ports, with battery-electric units to be used initially.

Berg Propulsion is based in Hönö, Sweden. The firm provides propulsion technologies, electrical integration and energy-efficiency optimisation systems for commercial and naval vessels, including propellers, azimuth thrusters, transverse thrusters and control systems. Its production facilities are in Sweden, with direct sales and service offices in China, Singapore, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.