India Launches Green Tug Transition Program to Decarbonize Maritime Operations

New Delhi: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, officially launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) in New Delhi today. This landmark initiative aims to transition from conventional fuel-based harbor tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives, marking a significant step in India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the advancement of its maritime sector.

The GTTP is a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ and was first announced by Sonowal on May 22, 2023, during the ‘Chintan Shivir’ event. The program is designed to decarbonize maritime operations in India by phasing out conventional fuel-based harbor tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replacing them with green tugs powered by cleaner, more sustainable fuels.

Phase 1 of the GTTP will commence on October 1, 2024, and continue until December 31, 2027. During this phase, four Major Ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—will procure or charter at least two green tugs each, based on standardized designs and specifications issued by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC). The program is expected to involve an investment of around INR 1,000 crores to build these green tugs. Initially, these tugs will be battery-electric, with provisions for adopting other emerging green technologies such as hybrid systems, methanol, and green hydrogen as the industry evolves.

Speaking at the launch, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The Green Tug Transition Program is a pivotal initiative towards realizing our vision of a sustainable and green maritime sector in India. This program 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.”

TK Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, added that the GTTP would significantly boost the domestic tug industry, with all tugs under this program being constructed in Indian shipyards as part of the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. 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 envisioned to transition to green tugs, ensuring a standardized, eco-friendly fleet across the country. Moreover, from 2033 onwards, any new tug built in India for use in Indian ports will need to comply with the ASTDS-GTTP standards.

The GTTP aligns with the broader goals outlined in the Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, which aims to make India’s maritime sector a global leader in safety, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, introduced in 2023, further sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030, with harbor tugs playing a crucial role in this effort.

The launch of the GTTP reflects the Government’s broader commitment to sustainability and innovation in the maritime sector, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for India’s ports and maritime operations.