The Chennai Port Authority has initiated the procurement process for its first green tug, moving a step closer to adopting cleaner marine technologies and reducing emissions from port operations.
Tugs play a vital role in harbour activities, assisting pilots in guiding large vessels during berthing and unberthing, while also supporting towing and a range of marine services. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has been pushing major ports to transition toward cleaner energy, targeting 60% renewable-power usage and a 30% reduction in emissions from port vessels by 2030.
As part of the national Green Tug Transition Programme, the Ministry plans to progressively retire diesel-powered tugs and replace them with environmentally friendly alternatives operating on fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia or methanol.
Chennai Port currently operates three diesel tugs. The Authority has now issued tenders to procure a new green tug, which will be supplied, manned, operated and maintained by the selected contractor for 15 years. Officials expect to award the contract within six months, with the tug—designed to deliver 60 tonnes of bollard pull—planned for delivery within two years of signing.
Several other major ports, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, and Paradip Port Authority, have already begun similar initiatives to induct green tugs into their fleets.
Chennai Port has also put in place shore-power connections for naval ships, Coast Guard vessels and hired crafts. These same facilities will allow the upcoming green tug to recharge its batteries. If the selected model is a hybrid tug equipped with an onboard diesel generator, it can extend operational range and act as a backup power source. Fully electric tugs are expected to eliminate nitrogen and carbon emissions entirely, while hybrid models can reduce emissions by 25–35%, according to officials.
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