The Business Bytes
New Delhi, August 16, 2024 (TBB Bureau): “The Green Tug Transition Program is a crucial initiative in realizing our vision of a sustainable and green maritime sector in India,” said Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, while launching the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) today in New Delhi.
Sonowal emphasized that the program not only aligns with India’s environmental goals but also strengthens the country’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative by promoting domestic innovation and manufacturing within the maritime industry.
This landmark initiative is poised to transition conventional fuel-based harbor tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives, marking a significant step forward in India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the advancement of its maritime sector.
The GTTP is a key component of the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp,’ a broader initiative aimed at decarbonizing maritime operations in India. Originally announced on May 22, 2023, by Minister Sonowal during the ‘Chintan Shivir’ event, the program is designed to phase out conventional fuel-based harbor tugs in Indian Major Ports, replacing them with green tugs powered by cleaner, more sustainable fuels.
Phase 1 of the GTTP will commence on October 1, 2024, and run through 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 either procure or charter at least two green tugs each. These tugs will be built according to standardized designs and specifications issued by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC). The program is expected to involve an investment of approximately INR 1000 Crores in the construction of these green tugs. The initial fleet will be battery-electric, with provisions for future adoption of other emerging green technologies such as hybrid systems, methanol, and green hydrogen.
“The GTTP will significantly boost the domestic tug industry, as all tugs under this program will be constructed in Indian shipyards, aligning with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Additionally, the program is anticipated to create significant employment opportunities in shipbuilding and design,” stated TK Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW).
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. Furthermore, starting in 2033, any new tug built in India for use in Indian ports will need to comply with the ASTDS-GTTP standards.
The Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030), launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2020, outlines key strategies to enhance India’s maritime sector, aiming to make it a global leader in safety, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. This vision includes ambitious targets such as sourcing 60% of each major port’s power demand from renewable energy and achieving a 30% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of cargo by 2030. Building on this, the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, introduced in 2023, sets a specific goal for Major Ports to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030. Harbor tugs, vital for port operations such as berthing, unberthing, and ship assist functions, are ideal candidates for adopting green technologies like electric propulsion and alternative fuels, which can significantly reduce emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
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.
