Context: The Chennai Port Authority has launched the procurement process for its first green tug under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)—a major national initiative to decarbonise India’s port operations. The move marks a significant step toward the adoption of cleaner, non-fossil-fuel propulsion systems in India’s maritime sector.
What is a Green Tug?
A tugboat is a compact, high-power vessel used to push or pull large ships for docking, undocking, and manoeuvring inside ports.
- A battery-electric tug (e-tug) achieves 100% elimination of nitrogen and carbon emissions.
- Hybrid green tugs can reduce emissions by 25%–35%, offering an intermediate transition option before full electrification.
The Chennai Port’s proposed tug will use battery-electric propulsion, with built-in flexibility for future upgrades to methanol or green hydrogen systems.
About the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)
The GTTP is an initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) aimed at replacing diesel tugs with green, non-fossil-fuel propulsion systems.
Key Features
1. Policy Alignment
GTTP supports multiple national maritime and climate strategies:
- Panch Karma Sankalp
- Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
- India’s Net-Zero Target (2070)
2. Nodal Agency
The programme is led by the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS).
3. Technology Pathway
Transition will occur in stages:
- Battery-electric tugs
- Hybrid diesel-electric tugs
- Methanol-based propulsion
- Green hydrogen fuel-cell systems
4. Implementation Roadmap
- Phase 1 (2024–2027):
Four major ports must procure at least two green tugs each. - Phase 2 (2027–2030):
At least 50% of tug fleets in pilot ports must shift to green technology. - Mandates:
- All new tugs after 2033 must comply with GTTP standards.
- All tugs at major ports must be 100% green by 2040.
Significance
- Supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
- Reduces maritime emissions and accelerates India’s shift toward green shipbuilding and eco-friendly port operations.
- Aligns with national decarbonisation goals:
- MIV 2030: 30% reduction in carbon emissions per tonne of cargo
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: 70% reduction in carbon emissions per tonne of cargo
The procurement of Chennai Port’s first green tug is therefore not a standalone development—it is part of a long-term structural transformation of India’s maritime infrastructure.