Sarbananda Sonowal Flags off Nation’s First All-Electric Tug Project in Kandla

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday virtually flagged off the steel-cutting ceremony for India’s first all-electric green tug, marking a major milestone in the country’s shift toward sustainable and energy-efficient maritime operations.

The tug, which is designed for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, is developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating India’s maritime decarbonisation efforts.
 

The new green tug for DPA will feature a 60-ton bollard pull capacity, ensuring silent operations, zero carbon emissions and optimised energy efficiency. Officials said the tug will set a benchmark for next-generation fleet modernisation across India’s major ports.

The tug’s electric propulsion system, advanced navigation features and low-maintenance design are expected to significantly reduce operational costs and carbon intensity.
 

The GTTP, launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aims to induct 50 green tugs by 2030, with 16 to be deployed in the first phase between 2024 and 2027.

In Phase 1, two green tugs each will be stationed at DPA, Paradip Port Authority, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.

One tug each will be deployed at the remaining eight major ports. According to the officials, four major ports — DPA, VPA, JNPA and VoCPA, have already awarded work orders for induction of one tug each, with DPA becoming the first port to formally initiate construction.