India Launches Green Tug Transition Program to Decarbonize Maritime Operations

Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, has inaugurated the Green Tug Transition Program in New Delhi, aiming to replace traditional fuel-based tugs with eco-friendly alternatives. The initiative underscores India's commitment to environmental sustainability and the modernization of its maritime sector.

Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, officially inaugurated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) in New Delhi on Friday. The initiative aims to replace conventional fuel-based harbor tugs with greener, sustainable alternatives, furthering India's commitment to environmental sustainability and maritime advancement.

The GTTP, a crucial part of the 'Panch Karma Sankalp', was announced by Sonowal during the 'Chintan Shivir' event on May 22, 2023. It marks a significant move towards decarbonizing India's maritime operations. The program seeks to phase out traditional tugs in major ports and introduce green tugs powered by cleaner fuels.

The first phase of the GTTP will commence on October 1, 2024, and run until December 31, 2027. It will involve four major ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—each procuring or chartering at least two green tugs. An estimated INR 1000 crores will be invested, with the initial tugs being battery-electric and provisions for future technologies like hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen.

Sonowal emphasized that the GTTP is pivotal to realizing a sustainable maritime sector in India and aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative. The program is expected to significantly boost the domestic tug industry, creating numerous job opportunities in shipbuilding and design within Indian shipyards, as highlighted by MoPSW Secretary TK Ramachandran.

By 2040, India aims to transition all tugs in major ports to green alternatives, ensuring an eco-friendly fleet nationwide. Post-2033, any new tugs built for Indian ports must meet ASTDS-GTTP standards. This drive is part of the broader Maritime India Vision 2030, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to make India's maritime sector a global leader in safety, sustainability, and responsibility. Complementing this, the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 sets targets like sourcing 60% of port power from renewables and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30% before 2030.

Harbor tugs, essential for port operations like berthing and ship assistance, are ideal for adopting green technologies to cut emissions while maintaining efficiency. This initiative represents the government's commitment to a sustainable and innovative maritime future, heralding a cleaner, greener era for India's ports and maritime operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)