Steel cutting has begun on India’s first all-electric harbour tug, signalling the start of construction on a vessel intended to support cleaner port operations.
The tug is being built for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) at Kandla under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ Green Tug Transition Programme, which aims to cut emissions from harbour craft.
Designed with a 60-ton bollard pull, the tug will operate with zero carbon emissions and reduced noise, while offering improved energy efficiency and lower maintenance requirements compared with conventional diesel-powered tugs.
The steel-cutting ceremony was flagged off virtually on 3 December by India’s Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who said the project reflects the government’s commitment to greener maritime infrastructure.
Under the Green Tug Transition Programme, India plans to induct 50 green tugs at major ports by 2030, with Deendayal Port Authority the first to formally begin construction.
