• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched standard operating procedure for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP), an initiative towards realising sustainable and green maritime sector in India.

• The GTTP aims at replacement of existing diesel-powered tugs with zero-emission tugs and is expected to involve an investment of around Rs 1,000 crore in building these green tugs.

• The GTTP as a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ was announced on May 22, 2023 by Sonowal.

• The GTTP is designed to phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in India’s major ports and replace them with green tugs powered by cleaner and more sustainable alternative fuels.

• Harbour tugs, vital for port operations like berthing, unberthing, and ship assist functions, are ideal candidates for adopting green technologies, such as electric propulsion and alternative fuels, which can significantly cut emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.

• Phase 1 of the GTTP will begin on October 1, 2024, and will continue until 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 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 Rs 1,000 crore 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.

• By the end of 2040, all tugs operating in major Indian ports are envisioned to transition to green tugs, ensuring a standardised, eco-friendly fleet across the country.

• Furthermore, beyond 2033, any new tug built in India for use in Indian ports will need to comply with the ASTDS-GTTP standards.

• 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.

• The Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) includes ambitious targets such as sourcing 60 per cent of each major port’s power demand from renewable energy and achieving a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per tonne 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 per cent by 2030.

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