Kongsberg Maritime has clinched an integrated technology contract with Cochin Shipyard to power Svitzer’s next-generation fleet of four battery-electric TRAnsverse harbor tugs. Equipped with a massive 4.8 MWh battery pack and advanced permanent magnet propulsion motors, this zero-emission fleet establishes a highly efficient, commercially viable blueprint for global harbor towage decarbonization.
Norway | May 5, 2026 – In a major industrial consolidation for zero-emission port infrastructure, Norwegian technology pioneer Kongsberg Maritime has won a high-value contract from Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) to supply a fully integrated electrical, automation, and propulsion hardware suite. The package is earmarked for maritime services titan Svitzer’s next-generation fleet of full-electric TRAnsverse harbor tugs.
The baseline contract covers four high-performance TRAnsverse 2600e units, with options structured for an additional four tugboats. The project marks a definitive commercial milestone for battery-electric heavy assets, proving that zero-emission harbor maneuvers can match the strict capital expense and asset-utilization requirements of modern tier-one terminal operators.
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Technical Specifications: The 4.8 MWh Electrical Architecture
Harbor towage requires instantaneous, extreme torque profiles that have traditionally restricted alternative fuel implementation. The TRAnsverse 2600e addresses this through a high-voltage direct current (DC) electrical bus network engineered entirely by Kongsberg Maritime.
Each 26-meter vessel features a heavy-duty 4.8 MWh battery pack operating as the primary energy storage system. This massive battery capacity is balanced by Kongsberg’s automated power architecture, allowing the tugs to perform high-frequency ship-handling maneuvers with zero direct greenhouse gas emissions.
The Power Transmission Train
The propulsion architecture is engineered to route energy seamlessly from storage to the water through a high-efficiency electrical stream:
- Primary Energy Storage: A high-capacity 4.8 MWh battery pack acts as the central power source, eliminating the need for continuous auxiliary diesel combustion.
- Distribution Hub: High-voltage DC and AC switchboards manage the load balances and safely dispatch electricity across the main grid.
- Electrified Prime Movers: Twin 2,000 kW permanent magnet propulsion motors instantly convert that electrical energy into mechanical torque.
- Vector Thrust Delivery: Dual US L Drive azimuth thrusters equipped with 2.8-meter nozzles translate the rotational power into high-performance, omni-directional maneuverability.
Integrated Systems Scope
- Propulsion Plant: Power is dispatched to two Kongsberg Maritime US L Drive azimuth thrusters fitted with large 2.8-meter nozzles. These are driven by high-torque, 2,000 kW permanent magnet (PM) motors managed via the proprietary AquaPilot thruster control system.
- Centralized Automation: System-wide diagnostics and energy load balances are managed by the K-Chief automation system and K-Chief Power Management System (PMS). This infrastructure enables a dedicated “one-touch-mode” configuration, letting captains instantly transition the ship’s entire operational profile from economic transit to maximum towing thrust.
- Deck Machinery Interactivity: To secure a 70-tonne bollard pull configuration, Kongsberg will supply high-speed hydraulic escort winches, twin capstans, and twin chain stoppers per vessel, specifically engineered for rapid render and recovery profiles during high-speed dynamic escort towing.
The TRAnsverse Framework: Expanding the Dynamic Envelope
The selection of the TRAnsverse design, co-developed by naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and Svitzer, represents a fundamental shift away from standard Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) layouts.
The hull features an omni-directional propulsion layout, an in-line drive alignment, and a patented half-circle towing staple. This allows the vessel to generate massive steering forces while side-stepping at speeds over 7 knots, expanding its operational weather envelope by up to 50% compared to similarly sized traditional tugs.
By installing Kongsberg’s integrated electrical systems directly into this highly agile hull form, the partners expect a further 15% improvement in net operational efficiency over standard diesel systems. This configuration ensures that short-duration, high-power harbor duties do not suffer from the thermal inefficiencies and idling penalties characteristic of conventional auxiliary combustion setups.
The Regulatory & Regional Drivers
The deployment profile for these vessels highlights a significant structural trend: regional emission caps are rapidly altering shipyard order books.
The Regulatory Landscape
- Port-Level Mandates: Ports across Northern Europe, North America, and Australia are establishing localized clean-air corridors, threatening fines or tariff premiums for high-emission support vessels.
- Fleet Renewal Lifecycles: Svitzer’s commitment to achieving completely carbon-neutral fleet operations by 2040 means that all new harbor assets deployed from 2026 onward must feature drop-in fuel compatibility or full electrification potential.
The Regional Manufacturing Pivot
The construction of these complex vessels at Cochin Shipyard in India underscores a geopolitical shift in high-technology shipbuilding under national programs like the “Make in India” initiative and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
“This contract is an important milestone for India’s growing capability in advanced, sustainable vessel construction,” noted Annette Holte, Country Manager India at Kongsberg Maritime. “It underlines Kongsberg Maritime’s long-term commitment to India and aligns with the ambitions of the Make in India initiative, where we continue to invest in partnerships, competence development and local industry capacity.”
Corporate Profiles
About Svitzer
Svitzer is a premier international port and terminal infrastructure provider, operating a global fleet of 446 specialized vessels. Providing towing, escort, and line-handling services across 141 ports and 40 terminals in 37 countries, the company has committed to reaching absolute net-zero asset operations by 2040.
About Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is India’s largest public sector shipbuilding and ship repair facility under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Strategically located in Kochi, Kerala, the yard constructs defense and complex commercial assets for top-tier international maritime clients.
About Kongsberg Maritime
Headquartered in Norway, Kongsberg Maritime supplies advanced technology solutions to more than 34,000 ships globally. Operating across 34 countries, the company specialized in integrated marine systems spanning automation, dynamic positioning, energy management, deck equipment, and specialized propulsion systems.
Source: Kongsberg Maritime