India moves forward with green tugs transition

India is pressing forward with plans to green its shipping and become a global hub for green shipbuilding by 2030, with four of its ports set to place orders for new tugs.

The state-owned Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, the premier container handling port in India, is said to be in line to order a pair of green tugs at Cochin Shipyard.

Three other ports have also reportedly been advised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to prepare orders for two green tugs each. Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority and V O Chidambaranar Port Authority will also most likely contract with the state-run shipbuilder Cochin for construction.

India launched its ‘Green Tug Transition Programme’ in March, envisioning vessels that will initially have hybrid propulsion systems and subsequently adopt non-fossil fuel solutions like methanol, ammonia or hydrogen.

A target has been set for the initial green tugs to start working in all major ports by 2025, with at least 50% of all the tugs likely to be converted into green tugs by 2030.