ABS joined Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Seatech Solutions International (Seatech), and Shift Clean Energy (Shift), in signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop electric tugboats, part of an initiative to achieve India’s goal of becoming the ‘Global Hub for Green Shipbuilding’ by 2030.
The proposed E-VOLT 50 tug aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve operational efficiency, and set new benchmarks for performance and environmental sustainability in the tugboat industry.
Safety, reliability, and compliance
GRSE will build the platform based on the design from Seatech, and Shift will provide energy storage solutions
GRSE will build the platform based on the design from Seatech, and Shift will provide energy storage solutions.
ABS will provide technical review and advisory services, along with guidance to navigate requirements related to regulatory standards for safety, reliability, and compliance.
Advanced battery technologies
“ABS is well-positioned to use our deep industry knowledge of advanced battery technologies to support this project for the E-VOLT 50,” said Arnab Ghosh, ABS Vice President of Regional Business Development.
Arnab Ghosh adds, "We look forward to working together with GRSE, Seatech, and Shift, innovative companies who are equally interested in the safety of the maritime industry while supporting a smooth transition to clean energy."
Cleaner and greener future
GRSE Chairman and Managing Director, Commodore PR Hari, IN (Retd), said, “We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking collaboration that combines the expertise of GRSE and three industry-pioneering organisations."
Commodore PR Hari adds, “'E-VOLT 50' is a bold step towards a cleaner and greener future for the maritime sector. By utilising sustainable energy solutions and cutting-edge technology, we aim to redefine the standards of performance, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.”
Prabjot Chopra, Vice President of Technology at SeaTech Solutions, said, “We are delighted to work with GRSE, Shift Energy, and ABS on this E-VOLT 50, India’s first electric tug, which will pave the way for India’s Green port operation.”
E-VOLT 50
This collaborative initiative goes beyond the creation of a tugboat; it signifies a pivotal moment"
Shift Senior Director and Head of Sales, Lasse Agger Antonisen said, “As we embark on this groundbreaking collaboration alongside GRSE, Seatech, and ABS, Shift Clean Energy proudly stands at the forefront of maritime innovation with the E-VOLT 50."
Lasse Agger Antonisen adds, "This collaborative initiative goes beyond the creation of a tugboat; it signifies a pivotal moment of transformation in the maritime industry. Together, we are establishing unprecedented benchmarks for performance, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.”
Alternative hybrid electrical technologies
ABS has developed industry-pioneering guidance on alternative hybrid electrical technologies and understands that additional alternative energy options, particularly electrification, are needed to help the shipping industry achieve net zero by 2050.
In 2023, the ABS Electrification Center was launched in Singapore to support maritime decarbonisation projects globally.
