Chennai Port will receive its first battery-operated green tug in 2028 as part of efforts to reduce emissions from port operations.
Chennai Port currently operates three diesel-powered tugs. The new 60-tonne battery-operated vessel is expected to arrive by 2028 under a contract that includes 15 years of operation and maintenance by the winning bidder.
The initiative stems from the Green Tug Transition Program launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways two years ago. It forms part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which targets a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from port vessels by 2030.
Bids for the project were invited by the end of 2025. The lowest bidder has been identified and the contract is set to be awarded shortly. The ministry aims to replace all tugs at major ports with green alternatives by 2040 through a five-phase rollout.