Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the construction and delivery of a 15-tonne Bollard Pull (BP) electric tug for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, marking another milestone in the shipyard’s expansion into green vessel technologies.

The achievement underscores GRSE’s growing expertise in participating in competitive open tenders and its capability to design and build a diverse range of technologically advanced platforms across defence and commercial segments.

The proposed electric tug will measure 25 metres in length with an 8-metre beam and will be powered by a battery-based propulsion system. Designed for harbour assistance and towing operations, the vessel will generate a static ahead bollard pull of 15 tonnes, offer two hours of continuous operational endurance, and achieve a maximum speed of 9 knots.

Built to International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) standards, the vessel will feature advanced battery propulsion technology aimed at reducing emissions and supporting cleaner port operations. The project aligns with the maritime sector’s growing focus on decarbonisation and the adoption of sustainable propulsion solutions.

GRSE has been steadily expanding its presence in the green maritime domain. The shipyard has already delivered a fully electric, zero-emission ferry to the Government of West Bengal and is currently executing an order for 13 hybrid ferries for the same customer.

The company is also constructing 12 multi-purpose vessels for a German firm, with four vessels equipped with green propulsion systems. In the defence segment, GRSE is at an advanced stage of finalising a major contract for the construction of five Next Generation Corvettes.

With 118 warships delivered to the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign nations—the highest number delivered by any Indian shipyard—GRSE continues to leverage its in-house design capabilities, modern infrastructure and decades of shipbuilding experience to expand beyond traditional defence shipbuilding into emerging maritime sectors.