India’s First Zero Emission Electric Tug Initiative

Launch of a Landmark Maritime Project

India’s First Zero Emission Electric Tug Initiative: India has entered a new phase of sustainable port development with the launch of its first all-electric green tug. The steel-cutting ceremony was virtually flagged off by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. This marks a concrete move from policy intent to on-ground execution in green shipping. The project reflects India’s growing emphasis on clean energy adoption in port operations. It also signals a shift toward low-emission auxiliary vessels, which play a critical role in daily harbour activities.

Role of Deendayal Port Authority

The electric tug is being built for the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, making it the first Indian port to begin actual construction under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). DPA’s early adoption positions it as a model port for sustainability-led reforms.

Ports rely heavily on tugboats for manoeuvring large vessels. Electrifying this segment directly reduces fuel consumption, emissions, and operational noise within port limits.

Static GK fact: Deendayal Port, formerly Kandla Port, is one of India’s oldest major ports and serves as a key maritime gateway for western India.

Green Tug Transition Programme Objectives

The GTTP aims to induct 50 green tugs by 2030 across major Indian ports. The programme is being implemented in phases to ensure technological adaptation and cost efficiency.

Between 2024 and 2027, around 16 green tugs are planned in the first phase. Ports such as Paradip, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, and VOC Port have already issued work orders, indicating wider institutional readiness.

Technical Features of the Electric Tug

The upcoming tug is designed to deliver high performance while remaining environmentally benign. It will have a 60-ton bollard pull capacity, sufficient for handling large commercial vessels in Indian harbours.

Key features include zero carbon emissions, advanced navigation systems, and high energy efficiency. The electric propulsion system ensures quiet operations, reducing underwater noise that affects marine ecosystems.

Static GK Tip: Bollard pull is a standard measure used to assess a tug’s pulling power and operational strength.

Indigenous Shipbuilding and Make in India

The tug is being constructed at Atreya Shipyard, with collaboration between Indian manufacturers and global technology partners. This strengthens domestic shipbuilding capacity while enabling technology transfer.

The project aligns with the Make in India initiative by promoting indigenous manufacturing of specialised maritime vessels. It also supports employment generation in coastal industrial clusters.

Alignment with National Maritime Vision

The initiative directly supports Maritime India Vision 2030, which focuses on port modernisation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. It also contributes to India’s broader climate action commitments and long-term development goals under Amrit Kaal.

By reducing emissions at the port level, India moves closer to building a resilient and future-ready maritime ecosystem.

Strategic Significance for Indian Ports

Electric tugs will be used for harbour assistance, escort operations, and emergency response, improving safety and operational efficiency. Over time, reduced fuel costs and lower maintenance requirements are expected to make green tugs economically viable.

This project sets the foundation for green maritime leadership, positioning Indian ports as responsible and technologically advanced nodes in global trade.

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India’s First Zero Emission Electric Tug Initiative: