Context: Recently, Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways launched the SOP for GTTP to drive the transition from conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives towards Green shipping.

• Note- A Tug is a marine vessel that manoeuvres other vessels by pushing or pulling them. These boats typically tug ships in circumstances where they cannot move under their own power.

About GTTP

• GTTP, announced in 2023, is a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ to phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replace them with green tugs.

• ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ includes 5 major announcements including 30% financial support for the promotion of Green Shipping, Single Window Portal to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises, etc.

Key Objectives

• Environmental Sustainability: The program aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of cleaner, sustainable fuels in maritime operations.

• Decarbonizing Ports: GTTP is a crucial step in decarbonizing the operations of Indian ports by phasing out conventional fuel-based tugs.

Implementation Phases

• The first phase of the program will run from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027.

• Four Major Ports: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority will each procure or charter at least two green tugs during this phase.

Need of Green Shipping

• Shipping sector accounts for nearly 3% of world's CO2 emissions.

• For India, GHG emissions from maritime (excluding military operations) contribute 1% of overall transport sector GHG emissions.

Challenges in Decarbonization of Shipping

• High Dependency on fossil Fuels: About 99% of energy demand from the international shipping sector is met by fossil fuels.

• Transition cost: e.g., For use of LNG fuel, it requires extensive retrofits to existing infrastructure as it require storage of fuel at cryogenic temperatures.

• Others: Inadequate port facilities resulting in sub-optimal route planning and inefficient fuel consumption, difficulty in enforcing regulations in international waters, etc.

Key Benefits

• Boost to Domestic Industry: All green tugs under this program will be constructed in Indian shipyards, promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

• Job Creation: The program is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in shipbuilding and ship design.

• Long term vision: By 2040, all tugs operating in Indian Major Ports are expected to be green tugs. From 2033 onwards, any new tug built in India for use in Indian ports must meet the standards for green technologies.

Key Initiatives

• Global:

• Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy by IMO: Set a sectoral target of net-zero emissions by or around 2050.

• Green Voyage 2050: Global programme supporting developing countries to reduce emissions from ships, in line with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.

• India:

• Sagarmala Programme: Focuses on port-led development with emphasis on green port initiatives and coastal community development.

• Maritime India Vision 2030: Focuses on development of Green Ports & Green Shipping in India.

• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: This vision extends the goals, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.