ABS and Indian Innovators Forge Historic Partnership to Lead Global Green Shipbuilding Revolution
ABS has teamed up with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Seatech Solutions International (Seatech), and Shift Clean Energy (Shift) to collaborate on a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing electric tugboats. This partnership is aligned with India’s ambitious goal of becoming the ‘Global Hub for Green Shipbuilding’ by 2030. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signifies a collective commitment to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing operational efficiency, and setting new benchmarks for performance and environmental sustainability within the tugboat industry.
The focal point of this collaborative effort is the proposed E-VOLT 50 tug, designed to usher in a new era of cleaner and greener maritime operations. The project aims to leverage advanced technologies to not only meet but surpass regulatory standards for safety, reliability, and compliance.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. will be responsible for constructing the platform based on the innovative design provided by Seatech Solutions International. Additionally, Shift Clean Energy will contribute energy storage solutions crucial to the electric tug’s functionality. ABS, with its wealth of industry knowledge and expertise in advanced battery technologies, will play a pivotal role by providing technical reviews, advisory services, and guidance to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
Arnab Ghosh, ABS Vice President, Regional Business Development, expressed confidence in ABS’s ability to contribute to the project, stating, “ABS is well-positioned to use our deep industry knowledge of advanced battery technologies to support this project for the E-VOLT 50. 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.”
Commodore PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman, and Managing Director of GRSE shared his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the significance of the “E-VOLT 50” in shaping a cleaner and greener future for the maritime sector. He highlighted the intention to redefine performance, efficiency, and environmental stewardship standards by incorporating sustainable energy solutions and cutting-edge technology.
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Prabjot Chopra, Vice President Technology at Seatech Solutions, echoed this sentiment, expressing delight in being part of India’s first electric tug project. Chopra sees the “E-VOLT 50” as a pioneering initiative that will pave the way for green port operations in India.
Lasse Agger Antonisen, Shift Clean Energy’s Senior Director and Head of Sales, described the collaboration as groundbreaking and transformative for the maritime industry. Antonisen emphasized that the initiative goes beyond the creation of a tugboat; it symbolizes a pivotal moment of transformation. Together, the collaborating companies are establishing unprecedented benchmarks for performance, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
ABS’s commitment to advancing alternative hybrid electrical technologies is evident in the industry-leading guidance it has developed. The organization recognizes the need for additional energy options, particularly electrification, to help the shipping industry achieve its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. In line with this commitment, the ABS Electrification Center was launched in Singapore this year to support maritime decarbonization projects on a global scale.
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-leading organizations. “E-VOLT 50” is a bold step towards a cleaner and greener future for the maritime sector. By utilizing sustainable energy solutions and cutting-edge technology, we aim to redefine the standards of performance, efficiency and environmental stewardship.”
In conclusion, the collaboration between ABS, GRSE, Seatech, and Shift marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime solutions. The E-VOLT 50 project not only aims to develop India’s first electric tug but also sets a precedent for the global maritime industry by redefining standards and embracing innovative technologies that contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Through this initiative, the partners are not only building a tugboat but are also constructing a pathway towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious maritime sector.
