Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has secured a ₹279.33 crore contract from the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) for chartering a new battery-operated electric green tug for a period of 15 years.
Under the work order, KMEW will provide a 60-tonne bollard pull capacity battery-operated electric tug, along with manning, operations, maintenance and complete technical management.
The contract, valued at ₹279.33 crore including taxes, marks KMEW’s third Green Tug contract from a major port, strengthening its presence in the emerging green maritime infrastructure segment.
The company said the vessel will be constructed alongside its other two Green Tugs at its shipbuilding platform through its subsidiary, Knowledge Shipyard Limited. Simultaneous construction of multiple vessels is expected to enable greater standardisation and execution efficiencies while helping the company develop capabilities in specialised vessel construction.
The latest order expands KMEW’s operations beyond its established dredging and marine services activities into shipbuilding and next-generation marine assets. The company intends to leverage its capabilities across the lifecycle of these vessels, covering construction, commissioning, operations and maintenance.
KMEW has been expanding its portfolio of specialised marine assets, including dredgers, tugs, pilot boats, work boats and other vessels. The company’s clientele includes various major ports, the Ministry of External Affairs, Dredging Corporation of India and the Inland Waterways Authority of India.