In a major milestone for India’s maritime sector, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, virtually flagged off the steel-cutting ceremony for the country’s first all-electric Green Tug, being built for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).
The event was attended virtually by Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways; Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways; Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, DPA; senior DPA officials; representatives of Netincon / Ripley; experts from Kongsberg; and engineers from Atreya Shipyard.
DPA’s Dy. Chairman Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, IRS, and CVO Shri J.K. Rathod, CPES, joined via video conference along with officers from the Administrative Office Building in Gandhidham, while another team from DPA witnessed the steel cutting on-site in Goa.
The fully electric tug will feature a 60-ton bollard pull capacity, enabling silent operations, zero carbon emissions and high operational efficiency. Designed to promote the vision of “Make in India, Make for the World,” the next-generation tug is expected to set new standards in sustainable port and maritime operations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Union Minister expressed happiness over the commencement of manufacturing, calling it a “historic milestone” as India advances toward the Net-Zero vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He affirmed that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India remains committed to clean energy transition and sustainable growth.
The Minister added that India’s upcoming fleet of Green Tugs will enhance national maritime capability while strengthening the country’s global footprint in eco-friendly maritime solutions.
He also extended his appreciation to all engineers, technicians, and partner agencies involved, acknowledging their role in shaping the future of India’s maritime sector.
Through this pioneering initiative, Deendayal Port Authority continues to lead the nation’s green transition in maritime operations, aligned with the Government of India’s long-term sustainability goals.
