In a significant move to cut greenhouse gas emissions and operational pollution, the Chennai Port Authority has initiated the process to procure its first green tug, marking a major step in India’s push toward sustainable port operations.
Harbour tugs play a vital role in assisting pilots with manoeuvring large vessels during berthing and unberthing, as well as supporting towing and other ancillary marine activities. As part of the Centre’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), major ports are preparing to phase out diesel-powered tugs and replace them with environmentally friendly alternatives using ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, or battery-electric propulsion.
Chennai Port currently operates three diesel-powered tugs. In line with the GTTP, it has now floated bids to procure a green tug that will be supplied, manned, operated, and maintained by a selected firm for 15 years. Officials expect to finalise the vendor within the next six months, with delivery of the 60-tonne bollard-pull tug projected within two years of awarding the contract.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has set ambitious sustainability targets for major ports, including raising the share of renewable energy to 60% of total consumption and reducing emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.
Several other major ports—including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, and Paradip Port Authority—have already begun procurement of green tugs.
Chennai Port has also installed shore power systems for Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels as well as hired craft. This infrastructure will be extended to support the charging needs of the new green tug. Fully electric tugs can eliminate nitrogen oxide and carbon emissions, while hybrid models equipped with onboard diesel generators are expected to cut emissions by 25–35%.
The green tug initiative is expected to significantly enhance the port’s sustainability profile and support India’s broader maritime decarbonisation goals.
