Recently, The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways officially launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) today in New Delhi.
About Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)
- It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- It is a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’.
- Objective: To phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replace them with green tugs powered by cleaner and more sustainable alternative fuels.
- During this phase 1, four Major Ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—will procure or charter at least two green tugs each, based on standardized designs and specifications issued by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC).
- The first set of tugs will be battery-electric, with provisions for adopting other emerging green technologies such as hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen as the industry evolves.
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Impact of Green Tug Transition Program
- Environmental Impact: The GTTP will reduce carbon emissions by replacing conventional fuel-based tugs with green tugs, contributing to cleaner air and water.
Panchakarma Sankalp
- During the Chintan Shivir, The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush announced five major announcements.
- Chintan Shivir was held in Munnar Kerala in 2023.
- Five major announcements were:
- Financial Support for Green Shipping: MoPSW will provide 30% financial support for green shipping initiatives.
- Green Tug Transition Programme: Jawaharlal Nehru Port, V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Paradip Port, and Deendayal Port, Kandla will each acquire two green tugs.
- Green Hydrogen Hubs: Deendayal Port, Kandla, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin will be developed as hubs for green hydrogen.
- Single Window Portal: A portal will be created to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruise bookings.
- Smart Ports: Jawaharlal Nehru Port and V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin will be upgraded to smart ports by 2024.
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- Decarbonization: This program is a major step towards decarbonizing India’s maritime operations, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
- Economic Boost: The program involves an investment of around INR 1000 Crores, which will stimulate the economy and create job opportunities in shipbuilding and design.
- Innovation and Manufacturing: The initiative supports the ‘Make in India’ campaign by encouraging domestic innovation and manufacturing in the maritime sector.
- Employment Generation: Significant employment opportunities will be created in the shipbuilding and ship design industries.
- Standardization: By 2040, all tugs in Indian Major Ports will be green tugs, ensuring a standardized and eco-friendly fleet.
- Future Compliance: From 2033 onwards, there is a provision of new tug built in India for use in Indian ports to comply with the ASTDS-GTTP standards.
- Renewable Energy Use: The program supports the Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to source 60% of each major port’s power demand from renewable energy.
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Key Highlights of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
- Goal for Global Leadership: Maritime India Vision 2030, launched in 2020, aims to make India a global leader in maritime safety and sustainability.
- Ambitious Environmental Targets
- Power from Renewable Energy: MIV 2030 targets sourcing 60% of power demand in major ports from renewable energy.
- Carbon Emission Reduction: Plans to reduce carbon emissions by 30% per ton of cargo by 2030.
- Long-Term Vision
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Introduced in 2023, it sets a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.
- Focus on Green Technology
- Harbor Tugs: Identified as key areas for green technology adoption (electric propulsion and alternative fuels), essential for port operations and reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency.
- Government Commitment
- The Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for Indian ports.
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August 19, 2024
