The scene took place in the port of Copenhagen. At a ceremony attended by senior representatives of the Danish maritime sector, Queen Mary of Denmark officially christened the Svitzer Ingrid, the first electric tug built in the country. This event symbolizes a significant step in Denmark’s efforts to decarbonize its port operations.
Electric tugboat and batteries in the service of sustainability
The Svitzer Ingrid stands out for its 1,808 kWh battery, equivalent to the capacity of 23 electric cars. This system allows around 90% of maneuvers to be carried out using only electric power.
According to data from Svitzer, the vessel will reduce CO₂ emissions by 600 to 900 tons per year compared to conventional models operating in the Øresund region.
In addition to its electric system, the tug is backed up by a conventional diesel engine. Its operating range is achieved with just one hour of recharging, although a full charge takes about 3.5 hours. The energy will come from renewable sources installed at the home port of Helsingborg, from where it will operate.
Svitzer’s commitment to fleet electrification
Kasper Friis Nilaus, CEO of Svitzer, underlined that the Svitzer Ingrid is key on the road to climate neutrality the company hopes to achieve by 2040. Currently, Svitzer’s global fleet exceeds 450 tugs.
The company has ordered a second all-electric unit scheduled for delivery in 2026 and plans to add at least four more in the coming years.
However, Nilaus cautioned that the pace of electrification depends on ports developing adequate cargo infrastructure.
Shipping companies cannot do it alone. We need partnerships between industry, governments and local communities to build viable sustainable solutions.
Kasper Friis Nilaus is CEO of Svitzer.
A name that unites mythology and royal legacy
True to the Scandinavian tradition of naming its vessels with mythological references, Svitzer christened this new unit Ingrid, evoking both Queen Ingrid and Nordic symbolism. Queen Mary had already christened another company tug, the Svitzer Marysville, in Melbourne in 2011.
The Svitzer Ingrid represents a synthesis of technical innovation, environmental commitment and institutional continuity, consolidating Danish leadership in the energy transition in shipping.
Source and photo: Svitzer
