Chennai Port to get its first Green Tug in 2028

Chennai Port will get its first battery-operated Green Tug in two years, a move to shift away from the conventional diesel-powered tugs, thereby cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials said the high-powered specialised vessels, harbour tugs in ports, aid in a host of operations ranging from helping pilots with docking, undocking, towing huge ships, and various other auxiliary services. Chennai Port, which is now equipped with three diesel-powered tugs, will have the battery-operated fourth one by 2028.

The push to procure such tugs and switch to greener alternatives came when the Ministry of Port, Shipping, and Waterways launched the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) two years back. This initiative comes as part of “Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” wherein the goal is that, by 2030, the carbon emissions from port vessels have to come down by 30 per cent. 

The Ministry plans to change all the tugs operating in major ports across the country to green tugs to bring in an eco-friendly fleet by the end of 2040. This project will be carried out in five phases.

Some of the country’s major ports, including Chennai, in the country have already commenced the work to procure these tugs.

Chennai Port Authority had floated bids by the end of 2025, and sources said the lowest bidder has emerged and the contract will be awarded shortly.

The first battery-operated tug with a 60-tonne capacity will be delivered to the port in two years. The firm will be responsible for manning, operating, maintaining, and managing the tug for a period of 15 years. The tug may also be engaged for berthing, unberthing, or serve as a standby as fire float, oil dispersant spraying boat as well, officials added.