Kongsberg to supply power pack for Indian tug

Kongsberg Maritime has won a contract to provide an integrated power package for India’s first electric tug. Described as a major step in the country’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) and awarded by Mandovi Drydocks and partner Ripley Group, the contract includes the Norwegian company’s electrical propulsion system based on azimuth thrusters driven by a permanent magnet system.

The package also includes advanced electrical systems including energy storage, automation and control (K-Chief and K-Chief PMS) digital systems including Vessel Insight and Vessel Performance, and full integration. Kongsberg will also provide operational support through its Indian subsidiary’s Global Customer Support team.  

Although Kongsberg is involved in a series of hybrid ‘e-tug- projects, this is its first fully-electric tug deal. The NavNautik India design tug will have a bollard pull of 60 tonnes and will operate at Deendayal Port in Gujarat.

Kongsberg’s senior sales manager, Tug Systems, Mark Callaway, commented: “Electric tugboats are a significantly different vessel from traditional mechanical tugs, and owners and yards need confidence in these new emission-reducing technologies. By delivering a complete solution, from propellor to battery, we were able to earn Mandovi and Ripley’s trust that the final product will achieve their emission reduction goals set forth by the GTTP programme.”