Berg Propulsion drives India\u2019s Green Tug Transition<\/p>\n
Berg Propulsion is providing the propulsion technology and systems integration to optimise performance of the second and third vessel in India\u2019s Green Tug Transition Programme.<\/p>\n
H\u00f6n\u00f6, Sweden, 11 May 2026: Marine propulsion solutions provider Berg Propulsion is set to play a key role in the green transformation of India\u2019s shipping sector, beginning with the upcoming launch of two all-electric tugs.<\/p>\n
The vessels, under construction by the Mumbai-headquartered KMEW Group, were ordered on behalf of India\u2019s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways as part of the country\u2019s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). The programme forms part of a wider set of initiatives which aim to help India achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.<\/p>\n
Designed by Navnautik (Naval Architects and Marine Consultants), each tug will measure 33.55m in overall length, with a moulded beam of 11.6m and a draught of 4.5m. Powered by advanced lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) batteries, with dual diesel gensets installed for back-up, each will deliver bollard pull of 60 tonnes. Both tugs are due to enter service in Q4 2027, subject to approval by the Indian Register of Shipping.<\/p>\n
Representatives from Berg Propulsion and Vizag Port Authority with the contract confirming the order for the 60TBP all-electric tugs<\/p>\n
The compact design of Berg Propulsion\u2019s powertrain makes it especially well-suited to an electric tug, where the battery pack and energy storage system limit space for other equipment on board a vessel crewed by 12 personnel. Berg Propulsion offered key contributions to the design process, including space saving suggestions for the final tug layout.<\/p>\n
Amrita Singh, Account Manager for New Sales, explains: \u201cWorking 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cBerg 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFactoring in electric powertrains can be challenging for any naval architect or designer, given that shipboard space is at a premium,\u201d comments Aniruddha Sen, Navnautik. \u201cThis is especially the case aboard a tug. The compact nature of Berg Propulsion\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Singh adds: \u201cBy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The GTTP, which aims to deploy 50 green tugs across India\u2019s major ports by 2030, is running in parallel with several other maritime and offshore initiatives, including the development of the country\u2019s first vessel equipped with a green hydrogen plant and the expansion of offshore wind farm capacity in India\u2019s waters.<\/p>\n
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