Kolkata: In yet another display of its acumen in participating in open bidding and confidence in building a variety of platforms, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has emerged the lowest bidder for the construction and delivery of a 15-Tonne Bollard Pull (BP) Electric Tug for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata.
This highlights the advances that GRSE has made in the field of green vessel technologies, reinforcing the shipyard’s capability to deliver technologically advanced platforms across defence and commercial segments.
The vessel, measuring 25 metres in length, with a beam of 8 metres shall be powered through batteries and will be capable of generating a static ahead bollard pull of 15 tonnes. Designed for harbour assistance and towing operations, the tug will have an endurance of two hours of continuous operation and a maximum speed of 9 knots.
Built to IACS classification standards, the vessel will incorporate advanced battery-propulsion technology significantly reducing emissions and contributing to cleaner port operations. The project is in line with the growing emphasis on decarbonisation and adoption of green technologies across the maritime sector.
GRSE has already delivered a zero-emission fully electric ferry to the Government of West Bengal and is now working on 13 hybrid ferries for the same customer. The shipyard is also working on 12 multi-purpose vessels for a German company, four of which will have green propulsion systems. GRSE is also in the advanced stages of concluding a prestigious contract for the construction of five Next Generation Corvettes.
GRSE has also built and delivered 118 warships to the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign nations, the highest number delivered by any shipyard in India. Backed by strong in-house design capabilities, modern shipbuilding infrastructure and extensive experience in building complex platforms, the shipyard continues to expand its footprint beyond defence shipbuilding into emerging sectors of the maritime industry.
