Cochin Shipyard Kicks Off Construction Under Green Tug Programme

Cochin Shipyard is set to begin construction of two 60-tonne bollard pull green tugs, ahead of receiving firm orders. These environmentally friendly vessels will be built on the shipyard's own account, with the expectation of converting them into contracts with fleet owners participating in the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).

The steel-cutting ceremony, marking the official start of construction, will be held in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Several government-owned major ports, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, VO Chidambaranar Port Authority, and Deendayal Port Authority, are currently floating tenders for electric green tugs. The Paradip and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authorities are also anticipated to release tenders soon.

Companies such as Shipping Corporation of India, Polestar Maritime, and Netincon Marketing have already submitted bids. If successful, these companies are expected to partner with Cochin Shipyard in constructing the contracted vessels.

Launched in August 2024, the GTTP outlines a phased transition from conventional harbour tugs to green alternatives utilizing battery-electric propulsion, with a future focus on hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen technologies. The first phase of the initiative, running until December 2027, is expected to see an investment of Rs 1,000 crore to deploy at least two green tugs at four key ports.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.