Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on tugboat operations in India. The agreement was formalised on October 27 during the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.

The partnership is intended to meet growing demand for tug services as port activity rises, with annual growth projected at 6–8 per cent in container cargo and 3–5 per cent in energy cargo over the next decade, increasing vessel traffic and the need for additional tugs to assist berthing and unberthing.

The collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s Green Tug Transition Programme, which targets conversion of all tugboats at major ports to low-emission “green tugs” by 2040 as part of efforts to cut greenhouse-gas emissions from port operations.

MOL currently operates tug businesses in Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam and plans to apply experience in safe operations and alternative-fuel technologies while working with SCI’s local network to strengthen tugboat services in India.

MOL said the cooperation would support the safe handling of vessels at ports and contribute to reducing emissions from port operations.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. is a Japanese joint-stock ocean shipping company headquartered in Tokyo and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Its corporate activities span bulk, tanker, LNG, car carrier, and logistics services provided through consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates. 

Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. is an Indian public limited company incorporated under the Companies Act and controlled by the Government of India through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It provides liner, bulk, and offshore shipping services and manages vessels for government and commercial clients. 

Source: Port News 

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