India's First All-Electric Tug Project

• 04 Dec 2025

Why in News?

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal virtually flagged off India’s first all-electric green tug, marking a major national milestone in sustainable and energy-efficient maritime operations under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).

• A tug (or tugboat) is a powerful, manoeuvrable vessel used to assist larger ships in harbour operations such as guiding, towing, berthing, escorting and emergency response, especially in confined port waters where precision is required.

Key Points

• Purpose & Design: The tugboat, designed for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, is being developed to advance India’s maritime decarbonisation goals, ensuring silent operations, zero carbon emissions, optimised energy efficiency, and a 60-ton bollard pull capacity.
• GTTP Roadmap: The Green Tug Transition Programme aims to induct 50 green tugs by 2030, with 16 tugs scheduled in Phase 1 (2024–2027). 
  • Two each will be deployed at DPA, Paradip Port Authority, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, with DPA becoming the first to start construction.
• Future Integration: Once deployed, the tug will support harbour manoeuvring, escorting and emergency responses with zero emissions, generating critical data for future GTTP phases. 
  • The initiative aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030, Amrit Kaal commitments, and international decarbonisation frameworks.
• Strategic Impact: DPA’s leadership demonstrates India’s move toward clean-energy ports, strengthens Make in India shipbuilding through Atreya Shipyard, and positions the country as a future global hub for green maritime innovation.