In a major leap towards sustainable maritime operations, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal virtually flagged off the steel-cutting ceremony for India’s first all-electric green tug on Wednesday. The zero-emission vessel, being constructed for the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, is a flagship project under the Ministry’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).
The steel-cutting marks a historic milestone in India’s commitment to integrating clean energy into its port sector.
Speaking at the virtual ceremony, which was attended by DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh and technical experts, Minister Sonowal stated, “This milestone reinforces India’s determination to move toward a cleaner and more sustainable maritime future.”
The Minister emphasised that the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for green growth and global leadership in sustainable maritime capabilities. “The all-electric green tug is a shining example of how India is translating his vision into tangible, world-class assets that will serve our ports, protect our environment and elevate our global standing,” he added.
The new tug, being built at Atreya Shipyard, will feature a 60-ton bollard pull capacity, ensuring silent operations, zero carbon emissions, and optimised energy efficiency. This advanced design is set to set a benchmark for fleet modernisation across India’s major ports, significantly reducing operational costs and carbon intensity.
The GTTP aims to induct 50 green tugs by 2030, with 16 to be deployed in Phase I (2024-2027). DPA is the first among the four major ports selected for the initial phase—along with Paradip Port, JNPA, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—to formally initiate construction.
Sonowal lauded DPA’s proactive role, noting that their leadership demonstrates Indian ports’ decisive move towards clean-energy solutions. “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,” the Union Minister concluded, highlighting the project’s alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
