Green Tug Transition Programme
Recently, the central government has set a target of becoming a global hub of green shipping by 2030. For this, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has started the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).
Also, India’s first ‘National Center for Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS)’ has also been inaugurated.
GTTP program will start with ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’, which will be powered by Green Hybrid Propulsion System. This will be followed by non-fossil fuel solutions such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen.
A target has been set for the initial green tugs to be operational at all major ports by the year 2025.
At least 50 percent of tugs are expected to be converted into green tugs by the year 2030.
Tug boats or tugs are small in size but powerful vessels. They are used for towing other large vessels out of port or towards ports or for pulling or pushing stranded vessels.
Benefits of Green Tug
- This will significantly reduce emissions as the country moves towards achieving the goal of sustainable development.
- This is in line with India’s Mission Life (LIFE) movement and efforts to become carbon neutral by 2070.
- NCoEGPS is located in Gurugram. The institute has been set up in collaboration between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
- The objective of this institute is to empower ‘Make in India’ in Port, Coastal and Inland Water Transport.
Other initiatives taken for Green Shipping –
- India has been selected as the first country under the IMO Green Voyage 2050 project to conduct a pilot project related to green shipping.
- The Maritime Vision Document, 2030 for a Sustainable Maritime Sector and Vibrant Blue Economy has been released.
- Paradip Port, Deendayal Port and VO Chidambaram Port will be developed as hydrogen hubs. These hydrogen hubs will be able to manage, store and produce green hydrogen by 2030.
Source – The Hindu
