The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has launched the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) to facilitate the shift from conventional diesel-powered tugs to more sustainable alternatives in India’s maritime industry. This initiative, part of the “Panch Karma Sankalp,” aims to support the country’s environmental goals while boosting the domestic tug industry. Four major ports, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Paradip Port Authority, will be required to procure or charter at least two green tugs each under the program.
The first set of tugs will be battery-electric and powered by cleaner alternatives like hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen, with plans for other emerging green technologies to be utilized in the future. The project is estimated to involve an investment of around INR 1000 Crores. Minister Sonowal emphasized that the GTTP is crucial for achieving a sustainable and green maritime sector in India, promoting domestic innovation and manufacturing while aligning with environmental objectives.
The GTTP is a significant step towards enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the maritime sector, creating employment opportunities in shipbuilding and design. By 2040, it is expected that all tugs operating in major Indian ports will have transitioned to green alternatives, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly future for the country’s maritime industry. Minister Sonowal highlighted the program’s role in promoting sustainable practices and supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
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