Sonowal Launches Green Tug Transition Program to Decarbonize Maritime Operations

The Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) is a key component of the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ and was first announced by Minister Sonowal on May 22, 2023, during the ‘Chintan Shivir’ event.

In a landmark move towards environmental sustainability, Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, officially launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) today in New Delhi. This initiative aims to transition India's harbour tugs from conventional fuels to greener, more sustainable alternatives, reinforcing the nation's commitment to a sustainable maritime sector.

The Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) is a key component of the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ and was first announced by Minister Sonowal on May 22, 2023, during the ‘Chintan Shivir’ event. The program represents a significant stride in decarbonizing maritime operations across Indian Major Ports by replacing fuel-based tugs with green tugs powered by alternative, cleaner fuels.

Phase 1 of the GTTP, set to commence on October 1, 2024, and run until December 31, 2027, will see 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. These tugs will be based on standardized designs and specifications developed by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC). The program is projected to involve an investment of approximately INR 1000 Crores, with the first tugs being battery-electric, adaptable to emerging green technologies like hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the importance of the GTTP in realizing India’s vision for a sustainable maritime sector. "The Green Tug Transition Program is a pivotal initiative towards our vision of a sustainable and green maritime sector in India. This program aligns with our environmental goals and reinforces our commitment to ‘Make in India,’ fostering domestic innovation and manufacturing in the maritime industry," he stated.

The GTTP will significantly boost the domestic tug industry, with all green tugs under this program being constructed in Indian shipyards, supporting the Government of India's ‘Make in India’ initiative. Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary of MoPSW, highlighted that the program is also expected to create substantial employment opportunities in shipbuilding and ship design.

By 2040, all tugs operating in Indian Major Ports are expected to transition to green tugs, ensuring a standardized, eco-friendly fleet across the country. Additionally, from 2033 onwards, any new tug built in India for use in Indian ports will need to comply with the ASTDS-GTTP standards.

This initiative is part of the broader Maritime India Vision 2030, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2020, which aims to position India as a global leader in maritime safety, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. The vision includes ambitious targets, such as sourcing 60% of each major port’s power demand from renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions per ton of cargo by 30% by 2030. The GTTP is a significant step towards achieving these goals and furthering the Government's commitment to a cleaner, greener future for India's maritime operations.