MOL and SCI to collaborate in the tugboat business in India

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI), under which the companies will collaborate in the tugboat business in India. The signing ceremony took place during the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.

India’s economic growth is expected to drive an annual increase of 6%-8% in container cargo and 3%-5% in energy cargo over the next decade, with major ports in the country anticipating a rise in the number of vessel calls. In response to these developments, additional tugboats will be required to support the safe berthing and unberthing of vessels, underscoring the critical importance of stable tugboat services. The Indian government-backed Green Tug Transition Program envisages a gradual transition of all tugboats operating at major ports to environmentally friendly “Green Tugs” by 2040, marking a significant turning point for the tugboat industry. 

MOL has operated its tugboat business in Japan, Hong Kong and Vietnam to support the safe berthing and unberthing of vessels. Moving forward, 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, while reducing GHG emissions from ports, highlighted a release. 

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