Gujarat's Deendayal Port is set to receive India's first all-electric green tug in a major step for the decarbonisation goals of India's maritime sector.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday virtually greenlit the new vessel at its steel cutting ceremony, which is being developed under the MoPSW's Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).
As a part of this programme aimed at achieving net-zero maritime emissions, the new green tug will begin replacing existing diesel-powered tugs.
It is said to have a 60-tonne-bollard pull capacity, zero carbon emissions, and better energy efficiency. A bollard is a short, thick post on which ropes are secured—one of the main points used by the tug to pull vessels.
"The all-electric green tug is a shining example of how India is translating (PM Modi's) vision into tangible, world-class assets that will serve our ports, protect our environment and elevate our global standing,” Sonowal said on Wednesday.
According to the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), the upcoming fleet of green tugs will be powered by non-fossil fuels (or green energy) such as methanol, hydrogen, or ammonia.
It also added that at least half of all tugs at all major ports in India will be converted into green tugs by 2030 as a part of the India Maritime Vision 2030.
According to Sonowal, the development of the green tugs is also in line with India's Blue Economy sustainability goals.
Announced in 2023, the GTTP is one of the green shipping and port digitalisation programmes under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’.
It was launched in October 2024 to phase out tugs powered by conventional fuels, and continue until December 31, 2027.
The Deendayal Port is among three other ports under the GTTP—the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, the Paradip Port, and the V.O. Chidambaranar Port—that will procure (or charter) at least two green tugs each, which are compliant with Standing Specification Committee (SSC) standards.
"This programme not only aligns with our environmental goals but also strengthens our commitment to ‘Make in India', promoting domestic innovation and manufacturing in the maritime industry," Sonowal had said in 2024 about the Rs 1,000-crore project.