New Delhi has taken significant strides toward creating a greener maritime sector with the recent launch of the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP). Under the guidance of Union Minister for Port Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, this initiative aims to replace conventional diesel-powered tugs with more sustainable options.
The GTTP is strategically positioned under the government’s broader environmental goals and the 'Panch Karma Sankalp' initiative. Major ports, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Deendayal Port Authority, will be mandated to procure at least two green tugs each.
The program is backed by substantial investment, amounting to around INR 1000 crores. The initial batch of tugs is expected to use battery-electric systems, along with alternative fuels like hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen.
Sonowal emphasized the importance of this program, stating, "The Green Tug Transition Program is pivotal toward realizing our vision of a sustainable and green maritime sector in India." He highlighted the potential for the program to bolster domestic manufacturing and innovation.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, phase one of the GTTP will commence on October 1, 2024, and continue until December 31, 2027. During this initial phase, the four identified major ports will implement the green tug program with standardized designs and specifications as set by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC).
The push for green technologies coincides with India’s efforts to decarbonize its maritime operations. This transition is expected not only to benefit the environment but also to catalyze job creation within the shipbuilding sector.
The overarching goal is to have all tugs operating within these major ports transition to green technology by 2040. Future regulations will also require any new tug built for use at Indian ports post-2033 to comply with the ASTDS-GTTP standards.
Part of the Maritime India Vision 2030 delineated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative aims to place India at the forefront of maritime safety and sustainability. Key directives include sourcing 60% of power demands from renewable resources and cutting carbon emissions from cargo by 30% by 2030.
The 2023 Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision set additional benchmarks, targeting greenhouse gas reduction from port vessels as part of continued efforts toward climate responsibility. Harbor tugs, critical for various operations like berthing and unberthing, are identified as prime candidates for adopting innovative green technologies.
This initiative reflects the Indian government’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the maritime sector. The aim is clear: to pave the way for environmentally friendly operations across India's ports.
