Green Tug Transition Program:
The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways officially launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).
- Green Tug Transition Program was launched on May 22, 2023, is a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’.
- It is designed to phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replace them with green tugs powered by cleaner and more sustainable alternative fuels.
- Phase 1 of the GTTP will begin on October 1, 2024, and continue until December 31, 2027.
- During this phase, four Major Ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and O. Chidambaranar Port Authority will procure or charter at least two green tugs each, based on standardized designs and specifications issued by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC).
- National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) will act as the nodal entity for this programme.
- India aims at becoming a ‘Global Hub for Green Ship’ building by 2030 with the launch of the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).
- ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’ will be powered by Green Hybrid Propulsion systems.
- These Green hybrid tugs will subsequently adopt non-fossil fuel solutions like (Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen).
