MOL and SCI ink collaboration for tugboat business

This will leverage SCI’s network in India.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) to collaborate on the tugboat business in India.

In a statement, MOL said that India’s economic growth is expected to drive an annual increase of 6% to 8% in container cargo and 3% to 5% in energy cargo over the next decade, with major ports in the country anticipating a rise in the number of vessel calls.

This growth requires additional tugboats to support the safe berthing and unberthing of vessels, underscoring the critical importance of stable tugboat services.

Under the Indian government-backed Green Tug Transition Program, a plan is underway to gradually transition all tugboats operating at major ports to environmentally friendly "Green Tugs" by 2040.

MOL has operated its tugboat business in Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam to support berthing and unberthing of vessels in these areas.

The company said it will leverage SCI's network within India, along with its own accumulated expertise and technology in safe operations and alternative fuel-powered vessels, to expand its tugboat services in this vital region, whilst reducing GHG emissions from ports.