Through its Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), India plans to induct 50 green tugs by 2030, beginning with 16 in Phase 1 between 2024 and 2027.
India has taken a decisive step toward maritime decarbonisation with the launch of its first all‑electric green tug under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). On Wednesday, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, virtually flagged off the steel‑cutting ceremony for the tug, which is being developed for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla.
The GTTP is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways aimed at accelerating clean energy adoption across India’s port ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, Sonowal said the launch reflects India’s strong commitment to integrating clean energy into maritime operations. “DPA’s initiative shows the world that India is serious about green ports and sustainable maritime logistics. This is not just a technological upgrade but a transformational step forward,” he said.
The new tug will feature a 60‑ton bollard pull capacity, silent operations, zero carbon emissions, and optimised energy efficiency. Officials said it will set a benchmark for next‑generation fleet modernisation across India’s major ports. Its electric propulsion system, advanced navigation features, and low‑maintenance design are expected to significantly reduce operational costs and carbon intensity.
Sonowal also emphasised that the Make in India and Make for the World pillars continue to guide port modernisation. The tug is being built at Atreya Shipyard, supporting India’s shipbuilding ecosystem and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.
“This tug is not only for India’s ports but for the world to see what India can build. It embodies our ambition to become a global hub for maritime innovation,” Sonowal added.
The GTTP aims to induct 50 green tugs by 2030, with 16 to be deployed in Phase 1 between 2024 and 2027. In this phase, two green tugs each will be stationed at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Paradip Port Authority (PPA), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VoCPA), while one tug each will be deployed across the remaining eight major ports.
Officials confirmed that four ports—DPA, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), JNPA and VoCPA—have already awarded work orders for the induction of one tug each, with DPA becoming the first to formally initiate construction.
Once deployed, the tug will support harbour manoeuvring, escorting, and emergency response activities with zero emissions. The project is expected to generate valuable operational data and insights that will inform future phases of India’s green tug expansion.