Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) (BSE: 543273 | NSE: KMEW) has achieved a significant milestone by receiving a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) for the deployment and management of a 60-ton Bollard Pull Electric Tug under India’s Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP). Valued at ₹385.76 crore (inclusive of taxes) for a 15-year term, this long-term agreement covers the construction, manning, operation, maintenance, and technical management of a battery-powered, zero-emission tug at VOCPA. The project marks one of the longest and most strategically important contracts KMEW has secured in the past decade, reaffirming its role as a leading force in India’s clean maritime transition.
The 60-ton electric tug will be designed and built in-house, showcasing KMEW’s engineering depth and its ability to deliver sustainable marine assets that comply with the GTTP framework. This new engagement follows KMEW’s earlier success at VOCPA with a conventional 60-ton Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) Tug, further strengthening the company’s footprint in southern India and its reputation as a trusted partner for specialized port operations.
Aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030, which targets a 30% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled and greater adoption of green fuels, this contract places KMEW at the forefront of India’s port decarbonization drive. As part of the GTTP, major ports across the country are transitioning to zero-emission tugs, advancing India’s national climate goals and reinforcing its leadership in sustainable port management.
India’s Green Tug Transition Program, launched in 2024 with an estimated investment of ₹10,000 crore, aims to replace diesel-powered harbor tugs with electric and alternative-fuel vessels between 2024 and 2027. This initiative is projected to significantly curb greenhouse gas emissions and marine pollution, supporting India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and promoting cleaner coastal operations.
“KMEW is proud to secure its first contract under the Green Tug Transition Program—a defining step toward sustainable maritime operations in India,” said Sujay Kewalramani, Chief Executive Officer of KMEW. “This 15-year engagement with VOCPA not only reflects the trust placed in our expertise but also underscores our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. Our 60-ton Electric Tug, fully designed and constructed in-house, highlights our capability to deliver world-class, zero-emission vessels that contribute to India’s low-carbon maritime vision.”
He added, “This agreement strengthens our strategic presence in southern India and provides steady revenue visibility while enabling us to contribute meaningfully to the Government’s clean energy and blue economy initiatives. At KMEW, we firmly believe that sustainability and growth can advance together, and this project exemplifies that philosophy.”
KMEW plans to leverage this opportunity to participate in additional green tug tenders being issued by major Indian ports—including Deendayal, Jawaharlal Nehru, Paradip, New Mangalore, and Visakhapatnam—as part of the national GTTP rollout. The company’s long-term strategy focuses on developing a sustainable 15-year business model anchored in clean technology, operational efficiency, and innovation.
Founded in 2015, KMEW specializes in marine craft ownership and operations, dredging, ship repair and refit services, and marine infrastructure maintenance. The company also conducts hydrographic and magnetometer surveys and provides customized engineering solutions for naval, commercial, and port vessels.
Over the years, KMEW has evolved from a small ship-repair operation into a recognized ship-owning enterprise with a diverse client base that includes the Ministry of External Affairs, Kolkata Port Trust, Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Trust, and the Dredging Corporation of India. With a strong order book and growing capabilities in sustainable marine technologies, KMEW continues to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s maritime modernization and environmental objectives.
