Kolkata: State-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shift Clean Energy (Shift), Seatech Solutions International (Seatech) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Wednesday to develop Electric Tugs E-VOLT 50.

The E-VOLT 50 aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve operational efficiency, and set new benchmarks for performance and environmental sustainability in the tugboat industry.

GRSE, a leading defence shipyard in the country, will build the platform based on the design by Seatech, with Shift providing the energy storage and ABS will ensure that the construction and design adhere to all applicable regulatory standards, certifying safety, reliability, and compliance.

Highlighting the importance of the MoU, Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE said: “We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking collaboration that combines the expertise of GRSE and three industry-leading organisations. “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 has already made progress towards the building of green vessels.

Currently, the shipyard is building a zero-emission electric ferry for the Government of West Bengal that will have a capacity of 150 passengers.

Once commissioned, this ferry promises to redefine passenger services along the Hooghly and other major rivers.