India has marked a major milestone in its shift toward cleaner and more efficient port operations with the launch of construction for the country’s first fully electric green tug. The steel-cutting ceremony, led by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, signals the start of a new chapter in sustainable maritime infrastructure.
The tug, being built for the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) at Kandla, is the first vessel to be developed under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a key government initiative designed to curb emissions and encourage adoption of eco-friendly propulsion systems across Indian ports.
The Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, senior ministry officials, DPA representatives, technology partners from Kongsberg, and teams from Netincon, Ripley and Atreya Shipyard joined the event in person and virtually. Atreya Shipyard is responsible for building the vessel.
Sonowal highlighted that the project reflects India’s commitment to integrating green technologies into port operations. He said the initiative fits into the government’s wider sustainability and modernisation strategy, adding that the development of the all-electric tug shows how innovation is being translated into real-world assets.
The upcoming DPA tug will feature a 60-ton bollard pull, zero operational emissions, lower noise levels and higher energy efficiency. Officials noted that its electric propulsion system and advanced navigation suite are expected to serve as benchmarks for future fleet upgrades at major ports.
The GTTP aims to bring 50 green tugs into service by 2030. In the first phase, between 2024 and 2027, 16 vessels are planned for deployment, with work orders already issued for four major ports. DPA is the first port authority to move from planning to actual construction.
Officials believe the project will accelerate India’s transition to cleaner maritime operations while strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
