New Delhi: India marked a significant moment in its maritime transition on Wednesday as Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the steel-cutting ceremony for the country’s first all-electric green tug, a project that directly advances the government’s focus on cleaner and future-ready port operations. The tug is being built for the Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla under the Green Tug Transition Programme, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ major decarbonisation initiative.
The ceremony was attended virtually by Shantanu Thakur, Secretary of the ministry Vijay Kumar, senior officials of DPA Kandla, representatives from Netincon and Ripley, technical teams from Kongsberg and engineers from Atreya Shipyard, which is constructing the tug.
Sonowal said the launch of India’s first all-electric green tug reflects the country’s commitment to clean-energy adoption in the maritime sector. He emphasised that the effort aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on sustainable development, technology-driven growth and global leadership in green maritime capabilities.
“This milestone reinforces India’s determination to move toward a cleaner and more sustainable maritime future,” Sarbananda Sonowal said. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, India has embraced an ambitious roadmap for green growth. The Prime Minister has consistently championed environmental stewardship, energy transition and future-ready infrastructure. Today’s steel-cutting ceremony is a direct reflection of his commitment to building a greener, stronger and self-reliant maritime ecosystem.”
He added that the Prime Minister’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” places maritime advancement at the centre of India’s economic shift. “Prime Minister Modi has shown how innovation can drive national progress. The all-electric green tug is a shining example of how India is translating his vision into tangible, world-class assets that will serve our ports, protect our environment and elevate our global standing,” Sonowal said.
The tug will have a 60-ton bollard pull capacity with silent operations, zero emissions and optimised energy use. Officials said the vessel is expected to become a reference point for modernising tug fleets across major ports, supported by its electric propulsion, navigation systems and reduced operating costs.
The Green Tug Transition Programme aims to induct 50 green tugs by 2030, with 16 planned for deployment between 2024 and 2027. In the first phase, two tugs each will be placed at DPA, Paradip Port Authority, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, while one tug each will go to the remaining eight major ports. Four ports — DPA, VPA, JNPA and VoCPA — have already awarded work orders, with DPA becoming the first to start construction.
Sonowal said DPA’s early move reflects how ports are taking active steps to integrate clean-energy systems into maritime operations. “DPA’s initiative shows the world that India is serious about green ports and sustainable maritime logistics. This is not just a technological upgrade but a transformational step forward,” he said.
He also noted that the construction of the tug at Atreya Shipyard strengthens domestic shipbuilding under the Make in India and Make for the World approach. “This tug is not only for India’s ports but for the world to see what India can build. It embodies our ambition to become a global hub for maritime innovation,” Sonowal said.
Officials from DPA said the tug will support harbour manoeuvring, escort duties and emergency response activities with zero emissions once it is deployed. The project is expected to generate technical and operational data that will shape upcoming phases of India’s green tug expansion.
The Green Tug Transition Programme is one of the ministry’s major sustainability initiatives and aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Amrit Kaal commitments outlined by the Prime Minister.
Sonowal concluded by saying that India’s progress in green maritime technology reflects a collective national effort inspired by the Prime Minister’s leadership. “Every innovation we undertake today is building the maritime foundation of a Viksit Bharat. Prime Minister Modi has given us the courage to think big and act decisively. This green tug is just the beginning of a new era for India’s ports,” Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.
BI Bureau
