ABB and Cochin Shipyard Partner to Power India’s First Electric Tugs Under Green Transition Initiative
Kochi, June 4, 2026: Global technology leader ABB has secured a major contract with Cochin Shipyard to supply advanced power and propulsion systems for two upcoming electric tugs. Scheduled for delivery to Polestar Maritime in 2027, the vessels represent Phase 1 of India’s ambitious Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), which aims to progressively transition the country’s harbor tug fleet from conventional diesel-powered vessels to more sustainable alternatives over five phases spanning from 2024 to 2040. Once deployed, the new e-tugs will operate out of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port, which currently handles roughly 50 percent of the nation’s total containerized cargo volume, the company said in a press release.
The comprehensive scope of supply covers essential electrical, propulsion, automation, and digitalization solutions designed to ensure highly efficient and reliable operations. ABB’s proprietary Onboard DC Grid™ power system platform and its Power and Energy Management System (PEMS™) will form the core of the combined solution. This integration enables the vessels to make optimal use of onboard batteries to support wide variations in power demand, which are typical for harbor operations. The modular Onboard DC Grid™ facilitates seamless energy storage integration, optimizes drivetrain efficiency, and extends the operating range per battery charge. Furthermore, the contract includes the ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostic System for Marine, which will provide condition monitoring and remote troubleshooting to maintain high fleet uptime.
The project highlights the growing capability of domestic shipbuilding to meet demanding international environmental standards. “Integrating electric propulsion and advanced automation into harbor tugs is a complex engineering undertaking, and selecting the right technology partner was critical,” said Jose VJ, Chairman and Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited. “ABB’s proven systems and deep experience in this space made them the clear choice. We are building these vessels to last, to perform, and to demonstrate that Indian shipyards are ready to lead the industry’s green transition.”
For ABB, the contract cements its position as a primary technology enabler for maritime decarbonization in the region. “India’s Green Tug Transition Programme represents a decisive step the nation has taken towards reducing emissions from port operations,” said Rune Braastad, President, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “Being selected to provide the electrical, propulsion, and automation systems for JNPA and Cochin Shipyard’s first electric Tug vessels as per India’s GTTP program reflects the trust that India’s maritime sector has placed in ABB’s technology and our long track record in marine electrification.”
With over 75 years of experience in the Indian market, this initiative marks another milestone in ABB’s long-standing collaboration with Cochin Shipyard, which recently included providing power, propulsion, and automation systems to two hydrogen-fueled container vessels for the Samskip Group. Beyond India, ABB continues to expand its footprint in Asia’s short-distance shipping segment, having previously supplied fully electric vessel technologies to operators across Singapore, South Korea, and Japan.
Samskip Group. Beyond India, ABB
