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India Launches Its First Zero-Emission Electric Tug for Cleaner Ports
Project Announcement
- Launch Date: Dec 11, 2025 — Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal officially started the building work for India’s first zero‑emission electric tug.
- Event Type: A virtual ceremony was held where the minister flagged off the project, meaning he started it online with officials and guests.
- Location: The project is for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, where the tug will be used first.
- Programme: The tug is being built under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), which focuses on making port work cleaner.
- Aim: This project is part of a government plan to reduce pollution from work boats at India’s ports.
Design and Specifications
- Power Type: The tug will run on electric power only, instead of diesel fuel.
- No Emissions: It will not release carbon or other harmful gases when working, so it will be cleaner for the air.
- Pull Strength: It is designed with around 60 tonnes of pulling power, which means it can help move big ships.
- Quiet Work: Because it is electric, it will make much less noise than a traditional tug.
- Energy Saving: The electric system will use energy more efficiently and need less fuel cost.
- Easy Control: The tug will have modern systems to help the sailors steer and monitor tasks more easily.
Policy and Strategy
- Programme Name: The effort is called the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).
- Start Date: The first phase of GTTP began in October 2024 and goes until December 2027.
- First Phase Plan: At least two green tugs will go to each of the major ports like DPA, Paradip, JNPA and VOC by 2027.
- Investment: The government is investing a large amount (about ₹1,000 crore) to build these green tugs across Indian ports.
- Future Goal: By 2030, the plan is to have 50 green tugs working at ports all over India.
- Long‑Term Vision: By 2040, all tugboats at major ports should be green and not use diesel engines.
Strategic Importance
- Clean Air Impact: This electric tug will help reduce harmful gases at ports, making the air cleaner for workers and nearby residents.
- Lower Pollution: Reducing noise and smoke from tugs will make the port areas much quieter and healthier.
- Cost Savings: Over time, running on electric power will cost less than using diesel fuel, helping ports save money.
- Supports Net‑Zero Goal: This work supports India’s larger goal to reduce carbon emissions and fight pollution as a nation.
- Better Future Plans: This project will help India build more clean and modern vessels later.
Programme Implementation
- Phase‑1 Ports: Four major ports — Deendayal Port, Paradip Port, JNPA and VOC Port — will get green tugs early.
- Orders Placed: These ports have already ordered or started work on the first set of green tugs.
- First Construction: Deendayal Port started building its green tug after the launch event.
- Learning and Feedback: The first electric tugs will help experts learn how to build even better versions later.
Manufacturing and Industry
- Made in India: All green tugs will be built in Indian shipyards, giving a boost to local industry.
- Skill Growth: This will help Indian companies gain experience in making modern, low‑pollution vessels.
- Jobs Creation: Making these new electric tugs will create jobs for workers and engineers.
- Green Fuel Options: In the future, ports may also use other clean fuels like hydrogen and green ammonia for more vessels.
Deployment and Next Steps
- Building Phase: The steel cutting and initial building work has already started after the launch.
- Testing Stage: Once built, these tugs will be tested in real port conditions before full use.
- Charging Setup: Ports will also work on electric charging stations so these tugs can be powered easily.
- Expand Fleet: After Phase‑1, more green tugs will be added step by step across all major Indian harbors.
Important Questions
- On what date did Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launch India’s first zero‑emission electric tug project?
- Which port authority in Gujarat will receive the first electric tug built under the Green Tug Transition Programme?
- What type of propulsion system powers the zero‑emission electric tug built for Indian ports?
- What is the designed bollard pull capacity of India’s first all-electric green tug?
- What is the target number of green tugs to be deployed under India’s Green Tug Transition Programme by 2030?
Conclusion
India has taken a big step toward cleaner ports with the launch of its first zero‑emission electric tug on December 11, 2025. The project will help reduce pollution and noise at ports, save fuel costs, and support the government’s plan to have 50 green tugs by 2030. Built in Indian shipyards, this initiative also strengthens local industry while moving the country toward a greener maritime future.
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