Key Highlights
- KMEW receives Letter of Intent worth ₹385.76 crore from V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority
- The 15-year contract covers design, construction, and operation of a 60-ton electric Green Tug
- Project aligns with India’s Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) and Maritime India Vision 2030
- The tug will be designed and built in-house by KMEW under GTTP compliance
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has announced that it has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) for the deployment of a 60-ton Bollard Pull capacity electric tug under the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP). The total contract value stands at ₹385.76 crore, inclusive of taxes, for a tenure of 15 years.
Under the agreement, KMEW will handle the design, construction, operation, manning, maintenance, and complete technical management of the battery-operated electric green tug. The project marks a major step in India’s transition toward zero-emission port operations, with KMEW becoming one of the few Indian firms to secure a GTTP-compliant tug contract.
This is among the longest-tenured contracts KMEW has received in the past decade. The 60-ton electric tug will be designed and built entirely in-house, showcasing the company’s growing technical expertise and commitment to sustainability-driven innovation.
The Green Tug Transition Program, launched by the Government of India, aims to replace diesel-powered tugs with electric and alternative fuel-based vessels. The initiative is part of the Maritime India Vision 2030, which targets a 30% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled and increased adoption of renewable energy across major ports.
Commenting on the development, KMEW CEO Sujay Kewalramani stated that this milestone represents a defining moment for the company and for India’s maritime sector. “This 15-year contract reflects the trust placed in us by VOCPA and reaffirms our commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable marine solutions,” he said. He further added that in-house production of the 60-ton green tug would enhance operational efficiency and support India’s broader climate goals.
The company emphasized that the order is part of a larger pipeline of green vessel contracts expected from other major ports across India. KMEW aims to continue aligning its operations with the government’s push for cleaner and more energy-efficient maritime infrastructure.