Knowledge Marine Secures ₹385.76 Crore Green Tug Contract from V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) announced that it had received a Letter of Intent (LOI) worth ₹385.76 crore from V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) for the hiring of a 60-ton electric green tug under the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP). 

The contract spans a period of 15 years and marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime decarbonisation journey.

KMEW Wins Landmark 15-Year Green Tug Contract

The LOI covers the hiring of a 60-ton bollard pull capacity, battery-operated electric green tug, compliant with GTTP standards. The scope includes complete manning, operations, maintenance, and technical management of the tug at VOCPA. 

This long-tenured contract highlights KMEW’s growing reputation as an innovation-driven marine engineering company, actively contributing to sustainable port operations across India.

Valued at ₹385.76 crore, including taxes, the order is among the largest awarded to KMEW in recent years. The electric tug will be designed and built in-house, showcasing KMEW’s technical expertise and cost-efficient production capabilities.

Driving India’s Maritime Decarbonisation Vision

This project aligns with the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP), a key national initiative under the Maritime India Vision 2030 to promote low-carbon maritime operations. 

The GTTP aims to deploy zero-emission electric tugs across major Indian ports by 2027, targeting a 30% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled. 

KMEW’s participation reinforces its position at the forefront of India’s green marine transition.

Read More: Indian Navy Receives First of Eight 'Mahe' Warships from Cochin Shipyard!

Strategic Importance and Long-Term Growth

Following its earlier success with the conventional 60-ton Azimuth Stern Drive Tug at VOCPA, this back-to-back win strengthens KMEW’s operational presence in southern India. The company expects this project to set the foundation for additional contracts under India’s expanding GTTP framework, which mandates green tug adoption across all major ports.

KMEW CEO, Mr Sujay Kewalramani, described the LOI as a defining moment for the company and India’s sustainable maritime industry. He emphasised that in-house design and production would enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support India’s commitment to achieving its Paris Agreement climate targets.

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Share Price Performance

On October 27, 2025, Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works share price opened at ₹2,306.80 on NSE, above the previous close of ₹2,272.70. During the day, it surged to ₹2,497.90 and dipped to ₹2,298.10. The stock is trading at ₹2,469.00 as of 11:08 AM. The stock registered a significant gain of 8.64%.

Over the past week, it has moved up by 10.20%, over the past month, it has declined by 1.90%, and over the past 3 months, it has moved up by 46.44%.

Conclusion

The ₹385.76 crore VOCPA contract marks a major step forward for KMEW and India’s maritime sustainability efforts. Through this project, KMEW not only strengthens its leadership in marine innovation but also contributes meaningfully to the nation’s long-term goal of achieving zero-emission port operations and building a resilient blue economy.

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