India has taken a major step towards sustainable maritime operations with the launch of construction on its first all-electric zero-emission tug for the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA). The steel-cutting ceremony was virtually inaugurated by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, signalling a strong national push towards reducing emissions in port operations.

The vessel is being developed under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), which aims to accelerate the adoption of clean propulsion technologies across major Indian ports. Designed for harbour operations, the tug will offer a 60-tonne bollard pull, enhanced energy efficiency and advanced navigation systems, setting a new benchmark for environmentally responsible maritime infrastructure.

The GTTP targets the induction of 50 green tugs by 2030, with 16 vessels to be deployed in the first phase across key ports including Deendayal, Paradip, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port. Deendayal Port is the first to move into active construction under the programme, underscoring its strategic role in India’s green maritime roadmap.

The introduction of electric tugs is expected to strengthen port operations ranging from vessel escorting to emergency response, while significantly cutting carbon emissions. Officials noted that operational learnings from this first deployment will guide wider adoption of green technologies across India’s port ecosystem.

This initiative forms part of India’s broader commitment to maritime decarbonisation under national programmes such as Maritime India Vision 2030, positioning the country as a proactive leader in sustainable shipping and port management.