The Indian Government has launched its Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP), which aims to drive the transition from conventionally-fuelled harbour tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives, marking a major 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’ programme, announced in May 2023, by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The GTTP is designed to phase out conventional harbour tugs operating in India’s major ports and replace them with green tugs powered by cleaner and more sustainable alternative fuels.
Phase 1 of the GTTP will begin in October 2024, and continue until December 2027. During this phase, four major ports — Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and VO Chidambaranar Port Authority — will procure or charter at least two green tugs each, based on standardised designs and specifications issued by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC). The programme is expected to involve an investment of around INR 1000 Crores in building these green tugs. The first set of tugs will be battery-electric, with provisions for adopting other emerging green technologies such as hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen as the industry evolves.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said: “The Green Tug Transition Programme is a pivotal initiative towards realising 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.”
All tugs built under this programme wll be constructed in Indian shipyards as part of the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The programme is expected to create significant employment opportunities in shipbuilding and ship design. By the end of 2040, all tugs operating in Indian major ports are envisioned to transition to green tugs, ensuring a standardised, eco-friendly fleet across the country. Beyond 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 GHG emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030. Harbour tugs, vital for port operations like berthing, unberthing, and ship assist functions, are seen as ideal candidates for adopting green technologies, such as electric propulsion and alternative fuels, which can significantly cut 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.
Image: Launch of India’s GTTP programme (source: PIB Delhi)
