India's government has unveiled new guidelines for the Green Tug Transition Programme, aiming to replace conventional fuel-based harbour tugs with greener alternatives as part of its broader Green Shipping Policy
Last week, the Indian government introduced new guidelines for the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a key component of its Green Shipping Policy. The GTTP is designed to phase out traditional fuel-based harbour tugs in major Indian ports and replace them with environmentally friendly alternatives powered by cleaner and more sustainable fuels.
The Green Shipping Policy, announced in May 2023, encompasses five major initiatives focussing on green shipping and the digitisation of Indian ports. A standout feature of this policy is the provision of 30 percent financial support from the Ministry of Ports and Shipping to promote green shipping practices across the nation.
The GTTP will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase set to commence in October 2024 and continue through December 2027. During this period, four major ports—Jawaharlal Nehru, Deendayal, Paradip, and Chidambaranar—will either procure or charter a minimum of two green tugs each. The designs and specifications for these tugs will be determined by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC).
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, clarified that the initial set of tugs under the GTTP will be battery-electric, with the flexibility to incorporate emerging green technologies such as hybrid systems, methanol, and green hydrogen. The minister estimated that the first phase of the programme will require an investment of approximately $119 million.
In line with the government’s 'Make in India' initiative, the tugs will be constructed in Indian shipyards, which will not only boost the domestic shipbuilding industry but also create employment opportunities.
Additionally, the government has set an ambitious goal for all tugs operating in major Indian ports to transition to green fuels by 2040. This aligns with India's Green Port Guidelines, which aim to reduce carbon emissions per tonne of cargo by 30 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2047.