Chennai Port's Green Tug Initiative

Summary of Chennai Port Authority's Green Tug Initiative

Objective: The Chennai Port Authority is undertaking initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational pollution through the procurement of a green tug as part of a broader push by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

Key Initiatives & Policies:

1. Renewable Energy Goals: The Ministry aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 60% of the total power demand at major ports across India by 2030.
2. Emission Reduction Targets: Major ports must reduce emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.
3. Green Tug Transition Programme:
   • The programme focuses on phasing out diesel-powered tugs and replacing them with green tugs powered by renewable fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, or methanol.

Current Operations:

• The Chennai Port operates three diesel-powered tugs and is moving towards establishing its first green tug.
• Bids have been floated for the procurement of a green tug, with contract finalization expected in six months.
• The selected firm will supply, operate, and maintain the tug for 15 years and deliver it within two years of contract signing.

Technical Specifications:

• The green tug will have a pulling power of 60 tonnes.
• If designed as an e-tug (purely battery-operated), it is expected to achieve a 100% reduction in nitrogen and carbon emissions.
• A hybrid model with an onboard diesel generator could provide a 25%-35% emission reduction.

Infrastructure:

• Chennai Port has already established a shore power supply for naval and Coast Guard vessels, which will also be utilized for charging the green tug.
• The hybrid tug will benefit from an onboard diesel generator to charge batteries and serve as a backup in case of battery failure.

Other Ports' Initiatives:

• Other major ports, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Deendayal Port, V.O. Chidambaranar Port, and Paradip Port, have also started initiatives to procure green tugs.

Environmental Impact:

• The transition to green tugs is crucial to lowering marine operational emissions and enhancing overall environmental sustainability in port operations.

Conclusion

The push for green tugs at Chennai Port and other major ports represents a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of maritime operations in India, aligning with both national emission targets and global environmental sustainability goals.