Mitsui OSK, SCI Partner to Expand Green Tugboat Operations

• MOL & SCI signed an MoU to collaborate on tugboat operations across Indian ports
• The partnership addresses rising port traffic and supports India’s Green Tug Transition Programme
• MOL will contribute global experience in safe operations and alternative fuels

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work on developing tugboat operations throughout India. The MoU was made official recently during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.

Both the companies have formed a maritime partnership to develop green tugboats, advancing sustainable shipping in India and promoting clean energy shipping solutions.

The overall strategy looks to take advantage of the increased demand for tugboats, which is rapidly rising due to more activity at ports. With the notion that India's economy will experience considerable growth, container cargo is projected to increase by 6–8% per annum along with energy cargo increasing 3–5% during the same time frame.

As a result, the number of vessels, barges, and other types of offshore marine activity will continue to rise, resulting in more tugboat activity for safe, efficient berthing and unberthing.

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This agreement supports the Indian government's Green Tug Transition Programme—an initiative to convert all tugboats at all major ports to 'green tugs'—low emission, non-fossil fuel dependent, environmentally-friendly vessels by 2040. This is a significant stepping stone to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promotes green practices within the maritime sector.

MOL, one of the top global shipping companies, has already started its tugboat services in Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. By cooperating, MOL intends to provide its knowledge in safe navigation, operating efficiency, and alternate fuel technologies.

SCI will put its vast domestic network and operational experience to work along with MOL to augment tug services and to increase the efficiency of ports throughout India.

The partnership between the two companies has been said to not only guarantee the safer handling of shipping vessels at ports but also to assist India in its quest for eco-friendly and sustainable port operations, thereby helping the nation reach its general maritime and ecological targets.