In a significant move towards realizing India’s ambition to become the ‘Global Hub for Green Shipbuilding’ by 2030, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a premier defense shipyard, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. The collaboration involves Shift Clean Energy (Shift), Seatech Solutions International (Seatech), and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to develop the Electric Tugs E-VOLT 50.
Project Overview
The E-VOLT 50 initiative aims to make strides in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing operational efficiency, and establishing new benchmarks for performance and environmental sustainability within the tugboat industry.
GRSE, renowned as a leading defense shipyard in India, will construct the Electric Tugs based on the design by Seatech, with energy storage provided by Shift. ABS will oversee the construction and design to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory standards, guaranteeing safety, reliability, and adherence.
Statement from GRSE
Commenting on the Memorandum of Understanding, Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “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.”
GRSE’s Green Initiatives
Highlighting GRSE’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices, the shipyard is already underway in constructing a zero-emission electric ferry for the Government of West Bengal. This ferry, with a capacity for 150 passengers, is poised to revolutionize passenger services along the Hooghly and other major rivers upon commissioning.
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