Berg Propulsion drives India’s Green Tug Transition

Berg Propulsion has secured a pivotal role in India’s Green Tug Transition Programme, providing advanced propulsion technology and systems integration for the second and third vessels in the series. Announced on 11 May 2026, this initiative marks a significant shift toward sustainable maritime operations at major Indian ports. By optimizing vessel performance through Swedish engineering expertise, these tugs aim to reduce carbon footprints while enhancing maneuverability, aligning with the broader national objective to modernize the country’s maritime infrastructure and fleet.

This transition aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI regulations, which mandate strict limits on nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide emissions to curb environmental impact. Furthermore, compliance with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) framework is now essential for classification society certification. For operational departments, these technical upgrades represent a shift toward digitized engine room management, requiring rigorous adherence to the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and updated maintenance protocols to ensure that emission reduction targets are consistently met during daily port operations.

Chief engineers and second engineers will face the most direct impact from these technological advancements. These engine room officers must familiarize themselves with the integration of hybrid propulsion control systems and the specific maintenance requirements of Berg’s high-efficiency thrusters. They will need to undergo specialized training to monitor real-time energy consumption data and ensure that the vessel’s power management system remains fully compliant with the latest environmental standards during demanding harbor towage operations.