India Flags Off Steel-Cutting for First All-Electric Green Tug Under GTTP

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal virtually flagged off the steel-cutting ceremony for India’s first all-electric green tug, marking a major step in India’s maritime decarbonisation journey.

● Developed for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA)

The tug is being designed for Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla) and is part of the Ministry’s flagship Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).

• The electric tug will have a 60-ton bollard pull capacity.
• It promises silent operations, zero carbon emissions, and enhanced energy efficiency.
  Officials stated that this project will set a new benchmark for fleet modernisation at major Indian ports.

● Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)

The GTTP, launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, seeks to make India a leader in green harbour craft.

• Target: 50 green tugs by 2030.
• Phase 1 (2024–2027): 16 green tugs to be inducted.
• Deployment plan for Phase 1:
  • DPA (Kandla) – 2 tugs
  • Paradip Port Authority – 2 tugs
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority – 2 tugs
  • V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority – 2 tugs

● Boost to India’s Maritime Decarbonisation Vision

The initiative aligns with India’s green port goals and is expected to significantly reduce emissions from port operations, making harbours cleaner and more sustainable.

Source: PIB