Deendayal Port Authority’s bid for an electric tug attracts six contenders, marking a milestone in India’s green shipping transition.

Deendayal Port Authority has received bids from six companies, including Shipping Corporation of India, Polestar Maritime, and Netincon Marketing, for India’s first electric tug tender. The 15-year contract aims to modernize port operations with sustainable maritime solutions.

Other bidders include Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works, San Marine India, and Underwater Services Company. The port authority will assess technical qualifications before opening price bids, awarding the contract to the lowest bidder.

Shipping Corporation and Polestar plan to build their tug at Cochin Shipyard, while Netincon Marketing has chosen Mandovi Drydocks. Knowledge Marine has partnered with Synergy Shipbuilders, and San Marine will use its Kakinada shipyard.

While electric tugs promise emission cuts, industry experts warn of high costs and long payback periods. Calls are growing for policy reforms that factor emissions into tender evaluations to ensure a commercially viable green shipping future.

Source: ET Infra