On Wednesday 22th March, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal announced that India aims to become global hub for green shipbulding by 2030, launching “Green Tug Transition Progeamme” (GTTP) that will convert all tugboats working in the country into ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’, running on non-fossil fuel like Methanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen.
According to the announcement, the plan is to expand the exercise of conversion of tugboats into green tugs into full-fledged manufacturing of these all important boats in the country that are essential elements of any port, helping in the mooring or berthing operation of a ship by either towing or pushing a vessel towards the port.
We have been working towards strengthening our efforts towards building self-reliance in Green Ship Building as well as installation of green solutions in all possible areas under the Ministry’s purview. We hope to become the global hub of Green Ship Building by 2030 as we witness tremendous business potential and yet remain completely dedicated towards building a greener world.
…said Sarbananda Sonowal.
The ministry has set a target for the initial green tugs to start working in all major ports by 2025. At least, 50% of all the tugs are likely to be converted into green tugs by 2030, which will considerably reduce emission, as the country move towards achieving sustainable development.
The statement says that with these initiatives, the Centre aims to achieve UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, conservation & sustainable use of ocean-based resources.
This centre is an important step towards Mission LiFE movement as it aims to transform ports and shipping turn more Enviornment friendly. This is a sincere attempt in the quest of the country to become carbon neutral by 2070, as envisioned by the Prime Minister.
..said Sonowal.
The National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India and the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
