About
- The goal of the Green Tug Transition Programme is to turn every tugboat in use in the nation into a “Green Hybrid Tug,” one that runs on non-fossil fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol.
- The initial Green Tugs are expected to begin operating in all Major Ports by 2025, according to a target set by the Ministry of Ports.
- The programme will start with ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’, which will be powered by Green Hybrid Propulsion systems and subsequently, adopt non-fossil fuel solutions (like Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen).
- At least 50% of all the Tugs are likely to be converted into Green Tugs by 2030, which will considerably reduce emissions as the country moves towards achieving sustainable development.
Implemented
Green Tug Transition Programme is implemented by the Ministry of Ports, shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)
What are Tugs?
A tug boat or tug are marine vessels that maneuver ships by pushing or pulling them, mostly using tow lines. They tug ships in circumstances where the ships cannot or do not move using their power like in narrow harbors, canals, etc.
National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS)
- Located at Gurugram, Haryana
- Setup by: NCoEGPS is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, the Government of India, and the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
- Purpose: The center will engage in developing the regulatory framework and alternative technology adoption roadmap for green shipping in India.
- It will act as a technological arm of MoPSW for providing the needed support on Policy, Research, and Cooperation in Green Shipping areas.
Major Projects for India’s Transition to Green Shipping
- Transition towards renewables: India intends to increase its share of renewable energy to 60% of total power demand at each of India’s major ports through solar and wind-generated power. At present, about 99% of energy demand for the coastal shipping sector is met by fossil fuels with fuel and marine gas oil (MGO).
- Shore-to-ship power (electrification of ports): 50% of port equipment will be electrified by 2030 and all ports shall supply shore power to all visiting ships in a three-phased manner. Currently, India is already supplying shore power to ships with a power demand of less than 150 kW.
- Ports to reduce Carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled by 30% by 2030.
- Maritime Vision Document 2050 released by MoPSW is a 10-year blueprint for India’s vision of a sustainable maritime sector and vibrant blue economy.
- India has been selected as the first country under the IMO Green Voyage 2050 Project of a pilot project related to Green Shipping.
- India will be implementing IMO energy efficiency requirements for existing ships and carbon intensity requirements on all its vessels whether coastal or international to help achieve IMO GHG reduction targets.
- India is working with the Marine Environmental Protection Committee of IMO to help devise acceptable requirements for GHG emission in line with IMO GHG initial strategy.
- Adoption of a mechanized mode of dry bulk handling, increasing green belt coverage, and conversion of diesel RTGCs to electric or hybrids to reduce pollution in ports.
- Storage & bunkering facilities for environment-friendly fuels like LNG, CNG, Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, etc. Under the National Hydrogen Mission, MoPSW has identified Paradip Port, Deendayal Port (Kandla), and V. O. Chidambaranar Port in (Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu) to be developed as Hydrogen Hubs i.e., capable of handling, and storing and generation of green hydrogen by 2030.
