Swedish firm Echandia to supply battery systems for India’s first electric tug at Kandla Port, aiding green transition.
Swedish firm Echandia is set to provide the battery technology for India’s inaugural fully electric tugboat. This vessel will operate at Kandla Port under the Deendayal Port Authority as part of a national initiative to decarbonise maritime operations.
The tug will use a 4.4 MWh battery system designed to last 15 years. This duration aligns with the operational contract held by Ripley Group. Echandia secured the contract after demonstrating that its technology could handle 30,000 charge cycles without needing a mid-life replacement.
Commenting on the milestone, Torbjörn Bäck, Chief Executive of Echandia, noted that the project represents a vital move for the nation’s sustainable maritime shift. He expressed pride in supporting the creation of a cleaner port ecosystem in an essential market.
Rakshith Sachitanand, a Senior Strategist at the firm, added that as a pioneer in the sector, Echandia is pleased to help accelerate the cleaning up of inland waterways and collaborate with local shipbuilders as they grow their international presence.
The project, involving system integrator Kongsberg Maritime, is part of a broader scheme to introduce 16 green tugs by 2027. Long-term goals include expanding the fleet to 400 eco-friendly vessels by 2040. The battery system is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2026.
SOURCE – MARITIME GATEWAY
