Delving into the Green Tug Transition Programme

Tugboats play a crucial role in the operation of a port. They assist in the berthing or mooring of a ship by pushing or towing it towards the dock. The GTTP aims to transform these indispensable tugboats into environment-friendly 'green tugs' that run on non-fossil fuels like methanol, hydrogen, or ammonia.

Objectives of the GTTP: The GTTP has set ambitious goals to morph India into a ‘Global Hub for Green Ship’ building by 2030 and to cut down emissions in line with the country's commitment to sustainable development.

A Closer Look at the Development:

• The GTTP began with the inauguration of the first National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) in Gurugram, Haryana.
• The programme will initially focus on ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’, which are powered by Green Hybrid Propulsion systems.
• Over time, the programme will incorporate non-fossil fuel alternatives like Methanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen, etc.
• The GTTP aims to convert at least 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030.

Why the Green Tug Transition Programme Matters

• The GTTP aligns with initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and can open new business avenues, contributing to India's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2070.
• The programme also aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which calls for the sustainable management and protection of marine & coastal ecosystems from pollution, and the conservation & sustainable use of ocean-based resources.