The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal 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, designed for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, is being 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 ceremony was attended virtually by Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur; Secretary, MoPSW, Vijay Kumar, IAS; DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME; senior officials of DPA Kandla; representatives from Netincon and Ripley; technical experts from Kongsberg; and engineers from Atreya Shipyard, which is undertaking the tug’s construction.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal said that the launch of the country’s first all-electric green tug reflects India’s strong commitment to clean energy integration in the maritime sector. Sonowalemphasised that the project aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of sustainable development, technological innovation and global leadership in green maritime capabilities.

“This milestone reinforces India’s determination to move toward a cleaner and more sustainable maritime future,” Sarbananda Sonowal said. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, India has embraced an ambitious roadmap for green growth. The Prime Minister has consistently championed environmental stewardship, energy transition and future-ready infrastructure. Today’s steel-cutting ceremony is a direct reflection of his commitment to building a greener, stronger and self-reliant maritime ecosystem.”

Sonowal added that the Prime Minister’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” places maritime advancement at the heart of India’s economic transformation. “Prime Minister Modi has shown how innovation can drive national progress. The all-electric green tug is a shining example of how India is translating his vision into tangible, world-class assets that will serve our ports, protect our environment and elevate our global standing,”Sonowal said.

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. Officials said that 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.

Sonowal noted that DPA’s leadership in operationalising the GTTP demonstrates how Indian ports are moving decisively toward clean-energy solutions. “DPA’s initiative shows the world that India is serious about green ports and sustainable maritime logistics. This is not just a technological upgrade but a transformational step forward,” the Union Minister said.

The Minister also highlighted that the Make in India and Make for the World pillars continue to guide port modernisation efforts. He said the construction of this green tug at Atreya Shipyard supports India’s shipbuilding ecosystem and strengthens domestic manufacturing capabilities. “This tug is not only for India’s ports but for the world to see what India can build. It embodies our ambition to become a global hub for maritime innovation,” Sonowal said.

Officials from DPA explained that the tug’s construction schedule places India at the forefront of adopting electric propulsion for port operations. Once deployed, the tug will support harbor manoeuvring, escorting and emergency response activities, all with zero emissions. The project is expected to generate valuable data and operational insights that will contribute to future phases of India’s green tug expansion.

The Green Tug Transition Programme is one of the ministry’s flagship sustainability initiatives and supports India’s commitments under international decarbonisation frameworks. It also aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal commitments outlined by the Prime Minister.

Sonowal concluded by saying that India’s progress in green maritime technology reflects a collective national effort inspired by the Prime Minister’s leadership. “Every innovation we undertake today is building the maritime foundation of a Viksit Bharat. Prime Minister Modi has given us the courage to think big and act decisively. This green tug is just the beginning of a new era for India’s ports,”Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.

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