India marked a major step in its green maritime shift on Wednesday as Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal virtually flagged off the steel-cutting ceremony for the country’s first all-electric tug. The vessel, designed for the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, is being built under the Ministry’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a key initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions across major ports.
Sonowal said the launch reflects India’s growing focus on clean-energy solutions in the maritime sector and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-term vision of sustainable development and future-ready infrastructure. He said the project shows India’s intent to advance green maritime technologies and support the country’s wider energy-transition goals.
According to the ministry, the tug will have a 60-ton bollard pull capacity, operate without emissions and feature an advanced electric propulsion system. Officials expect it to set a new benchmark for next-generation vessel design, lowering operational costs and improving efficiency for major ports.
The GTTP aims to induct 50 green tugs by 2030, with 16 planned in the first phase from 2024 to 2027. Two tugs each will be deployed at DPA, Paradip, JNPA and V.O. Chidambaranar ports, while one each will be added to the remaining eight major ports. Four major ports — DPA, VPA, JNPA and VoCPA — have already awarded work orders for the programme, with DPA becoming the first to begin construction.
Sonowal said DPA’s move reflects how Indian ports are steadily adopting clean-energy models and building the foundation for greener maritime operations. He added that constructing the tug at Atreya Shipyard strengthens domestic shipbuilding and supports the wider Make in India framework.
Sonowal said India’s efforts in green maritime technology reflect a shared national push toward building a modern, environmentally responsible port ecosystem.