Swedish marine technology company Berg Propulsion has announced plans to establish a permanent office in Mumbai, marking a significant step in its expanding presence in the Indian maritime sector. The decision comes at a time when India is aggressively pivoting toward green shipping, creating new commercial opportunities for international propulsion technology firms.
Berg Propulsion, known globally for its innovative electric and hybrid propulsion solutions for maritime vessels, will use the Mumbai base to strengthen its commercial and technical engagement with Indian shipbuilders, port operators, and government programmes driving the transition to cleaner vessel technologies.
The expansion is directly linked to Berg's growing portfolio of projects in India. The company is currently supplying integrated electric propulsion systems for two new-generation electric harbour tugs being constructed by the KMEW Group, a Mumbai-headquartered shipbuilding firm. These tugs are part of India's Green Tug Transition Programme, a flagship initiative designed to replace conventional diesel-powered harbour tugs with zero-emission electric alternatives.
Harbour tugs are critical vessels that assist large ships with docking and undocking maneuvers in ports. Traditional tugboats rely heavily on diesel engines, producing significant air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in port cities. Electric harbour tugs, by contrast, operate with near-zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air and quieter operations around India's busy maritime hubs.
The Green Tug Transition Programme has been widely welcomed by environmental groups and port authorities alike. It aligns with India's broader climate commitments and its target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The programme encourages port trusts and private terminal operators to adopt electric and hybrid tugs through policy incentives and clear regulatory frameworks.
Industry observers note that Berg Propulsion's Mumbai office will serve not only as a commercial liaison but also as a technical support hub for existing and future projects across India's expanding fleet of green vessels. Swedish marine technology firms have long been leaders in electric propulsion, and Berg's entry into the Indian market is expected to deepen competition and drive innovation in the region's green shipping sector.
The move also signals growing confidence among international maritime technology companies in India's shipbuilding and retrofitting ecosystem. With several Indian shipyards upgrading their capabilities and the government introducing schemes to promote indigenous green vessel construction, the timing of Berg's expansion is seen as strategically well-calibrated.
