India marked a major milestone in its maritime transition as Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, virtually inaugurated the steel cutting for the country’s first all-electric Green Tug. The tug, designed for the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, is being developed under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) to advance sustainable port operations.

The event was attended virtually by Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry; Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of DPA; senior DPA officials; representatives from Netincon, Ripley and Kongsberg; and engineers from Atreya Shipyard. DPA officers joined both online from Gandhidham and on-site in Goa, where the steel cutting took place.

Aligned with the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision, the all-electric tug will feature a 60-ton bollard pull capacity, delivering silent operations, zero carbon emissions and high efficiency. It is expected to set new standards in India’s green maritime capabilities.

Sonowal said the commencement of manufacturing reflects India’s firm move towards the Net-Zero vision outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasised that the development of a fleet of Indian Green Tugs will not only strengthen national maritime capacity but also enhance the country’s global footprint in sustainable marine technologies.

The Minister extended his appreciation to engineers, technicians and partner agencies for their contribution to this landmark project, noting that their efforts are shaping the future of environmentally responsible maritime operations. The Deendayal Port Authority continues to play a leading role in promoting green technologies and sustainable port initiatives in line with the government’s long-term maritime vision.