The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, officially launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) in New Delhi. This landmark initiative aims to transition from conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to more sustainable, greener alternatives. This step underscores India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and maritime sector advancement.
Program Details
- Initiative Background: The GTTP is a key component of the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ initiative. Announced on May 22, 2023, by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal during the ‘Chintan Shivir’ event, the program aims to decarbonize maritime operations in India by replacing conventional fuel-based tugs with greener options.
- Phase 1: Scheduled to start on October 1, 2024, and run until December 31, 2027, this phase involves four Major Ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority. Each port is expected to procure or charter at least two green tugs based on standardized designs issued by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC). The program involves an estimated investment of INR 1000 Crores. The initial set of tugs will be battery-electric, with future provisions for hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen technologies.
- Future Vision: By 2040, all tugs at Indian Major Ports are planned to be green. From 2033 onward, new tugs built for Indian ports must meet the ASTDS-GTTP standards.
Statements
- Shri Sarbananda Sonowal: “The Green Tug Transition Program is crucial for our vision of a sustainable maritime sector. It aligns with our environmental goals and supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative by fostering domestic innovation and manufacturing.”
- Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW: The GTTP will significantly boost the domestic tug industry, with tugs built in Indian shipyards, creating job opportunities in shipbuilding and design.
Strategic Context
- Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030): Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, this vision includes targets such as sourcing 60% of each major port’s power from renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions by 30% per ton of cargo by 2030.
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Introduced in 2023, this vision aims for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 2030. Green technologies in harbour tugs, including electric propulsion and alternative fuels, are expected to play a significant role.
Conclusion
The GTTP reflects the Government’s broader commitment to a sustainable and innovative maritime sector, leading to a cleaner and greener future for India’s ports and maritime operations.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary goal of the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)?
- A) To increase the number of conventional fuel-based tugs
- B) To transition from conventional fuel-based tugs to greener alternatives
- C) To reduce the cost of maritime operations
- D) To expand port infrastructure
- When is Phase 1 of the GTTP scheduled to begin?
- A) January 1, 2024
- B) October 1, 2024
- C) July 1, 2025
- D) December 1, 2025
- How much is the estimated investment for the Green Tug Transition Program?
- A) INR 500 Crores
- B) INR 750 Crores
- C) INR 1000 Crores
- D) INR 1500 Crores
- Which four Major Ports are involved in Phase 1 of the GTTP?
- A) Mumbai Port Authority, Chennai Port Authority, Kolkata Port Authority, and Cochin Port Authority
- B) Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority
- C) Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Kandla Port Authority, Mangalore Port Authority, and Tuticorin Port Authority
- D) New Mangalore Port Authority, Port Blair Port Authority, Ennore Port Authority, and Haldia Port Authority
- By what year does the GTTP plan for all tugs operating in Indian Major Ports to transition to green tugs?
- A) 2030
- B) 2040
- C) 2050
- D) 2060