Chennai Port Authority Introduces Green Tug

Summary of Green Tug Initiative at Chennai Port

Context and Objectives:

• The Chennai Port Authority is responding to environmental concerns by procuring a green tug to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational pollution.
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways aims to increase renewable energy usage to 60% at major ports and reduce emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.

Operational Details:

• Harbour tugs play a crucial role in port operations, assisting in docking, undocking, and towing.
• Currently, Chennai Port operates three diesel-powered tugs.
• The procurement process for a green tug has been initiated, with bids being sought to supply, operate, and maintain the tug for 15 years.

Green Tug Transition Programme:

• Intended to phase out diesel-powered tugs across major Indian ports, replacing them with tugs powered by ammonia, hydrogen, or methanol.
• The green tug is expected to have a pulling power of 60 tonnes and can be delivered within two years of contract award.

Environmental Impact:

• The implementation of an electric tug (e-tug) could achieve a 100% reduction in nitrogen and carbon emissions.
• A hybrid tug with an onboard diesel generator would reduce emissions by 25%-35%.

Infrastructure Developments:

• Chennai Port has established a shore power supply for naval and Coast Guard vessels, which will also be utilized by the green tug for charging its batteries.

Other Initiatives:

• Similar initiatives to procure green tugs have been reported at other major ports including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, and Paradip Port Authority.

Significance:

• This initiative aligns with the Government of India's sustainability targets and efforts toward decarbonizing maritime operations, demonstrating an important step in reducing the ecological footprint of port activities.