The Deendayal Port Authority, or DPA, at Kandla Port is set to introduce India’s first electric tugboat, marking a significant milestone in the country’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).
The initiative underscores India’s commitment to decarbonizing its port operations and fostering environmental sustainability within the maritime sector.
The DPA has finalized a 15-year charter agreement with Netincon Marketing Pvt Ltd., a Kolkata-based firm and part of the Ripley Group, for a 60-ton bollard pull capacity electric tug. This battery-powered vessel will be crucial for maneuvering and docking cargo ships at the port. The daily chartering rate for the tug has been set at Rs 6.3 lakh.
Under the contract, Netincon Marketing will be responsible for building the tug in collaboration with Goa-based Mandovi Drydocks and for establishing the necessary charging infrastructure. The DPA will provide the power supply for the charging stations, leveraging its existing 22 MW renewable energy capacity, primarily derived from wind power.
Phased implementation:
The initial phase of the GTTP, slated to run until December 2027, targets four major Indian ports: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, DPA, Paradip Port Authority, and VO Chidambaranar Port Authority. Each of these ports is mandated to procure or charter at least two green tugs. This ambitious phase involves a projected investment of approximately Rs 10 billion.
Launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the GTTP aims to replace conventional, fossil fuel-powered harbor tugs with eco-friendly alternatives across major Indian ports.
The program is a cornerstone of India’s broader efforts to reduce emissions and embrace cleaner technologies in its maritime industry. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the GTTP were introduced in August 2024 to guide this transition.
Harbor tugs, essential for critical port functions such as berthing and unberthing, are ideal candidates for this green transition due to their significant potential for emission reduction through electric propulsion and alternative fuels. This shift is expected to not only enhance environmental performance but also contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective port ecosystem in the long run.
