As part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational pollution, the Chennai Port Authority has started work to procure a green tug.
Harbour tugs are crucial, specialised craft in port operations that assist with everything from helping the port pilot manoeuvre huge ships to dock and undock to towing and other marine ancillary operations. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has been aiming to increase the share of renewable energy to 60% of the total power demand at major ports across the country. By 2030, major ports will have to reduce emissions from port vessels by 30%.
Under the Green Tug Transition Programme, the Ministry has outlined a plan to phase out diesel-powered tugs at major ports across the country and replace them with green tugs fuelled by ammonia, hydrogen, or methanol.
Currently, the Chennai Port has three diesel-powered tugs, and now, the Chennai Port Authority has floated bids to purchase a green tug. In about six months, they will finalise a firm to supply, man, operate, and maintain the tug for 15 years. Once the contract is awarded, the firm will be able to deliver the green tug, with a pulling power of 60 tonnes, in two years.
Sources said the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, and Paradip Port Authority were among those that had already initiated the purchase of green tugs for their respective ports.
