What significant milestone did India achieve in the maritime sector on 2nd March 2024?

On 2nd March 2024, India marked a significant milestone by inaugurating the 'Ocean Grace', the first ASTDS tug developed in India, representing a leap towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in the maritime sector.

What is the 'Ocean Grace' and what makes it unique?

The 'Ocean Grace' is a 60T bollard pull tug equipped with NIGATA main engines and a Power Z-Peller ZP Propulsion engine, distinguished as the first ASTDS (Advanced Ship Tug Docking System) tug developed in India.

What is the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) and its goals?

The Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) is an initiative aiming to transform at least 50% of all tugs into green tugs by 2030, focusing on battery-electric powered ones to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector.

What is Ocean Grace: A Leap Towards Sustainable Maritime Sector

Q: How does the 'Ocean Grace' align with India's environmental goals?

The 'Ocean Grace' aligns with India's environmental goals by being part of the GTTP, aiming for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, thereby contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly maritime practices.

Q: What are the long-term emission reduction targets set by the GTTP for India's maritime sector?

The GTTP sets ambitious targets for India's maritime sector, aiming for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and up to a 70% reduction by 2047, to support sustainable development and combat climate change.

On 2nd March 2024, India marked a significant milestone in its journey towards self-reliance and sustainability in the maritime sector. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) & AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal, virtually inaugurated the 'Ocean Grace’, a 60T bollard pull tug, alongside a Medical Mobile Unit (MMU). The 'Ocean Grace’ isn’t just any tug; it represents a leap towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as the first ASTDS (Advanced Ship Tug Docking System) tug developed in India, under the auspices of the MoPSW, by the Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Ocean Grace Tug: India's Sustainable Maritime Leap

Unveiling the Ocean Grace

The unveiling of the 'Ocean Grace’ is a testament to the nation's capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding. This tug, powered by NIGATA main engines and a Power Z-Peller ZP Propulsion engine, is designed for efficiency and reliability. Its advanced engineering ensures smooth navigation and proficient assistance to large vessels such as Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs), which are essential for the maritime industry's heavy lifting.

Green Tug Transition Programme

The launch of the 'Ocean Grace’ aligns with the ambitious Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), which aims to transform at least 50% of all tugs into green tugs by 2030. This initiative also sets a goal for all major ports to operate green tugs, specifically focusing on battery-electric powered ones, to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. As part of the GTTP’s first phase, major ports like JNPA, DPA, PPA, and VoCPA have committed to purchasing two new green tugs from Cochin Shipyard by 2027. With the introduction of the 'Ocean Grace’, the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has taken a pioneering step in realizing India's vision of adopting sustainable and eco-friendly maritime practices.

The ambitious targets set by the GTTP, aiming for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and up to a 70% reduction by 2047, underscore India’s commitment to environmentally sustainable development within its maritime infrastructure. By embracing advanced technologies and green energy sources, India is not only enhancing its maritime capabilities but also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

The 'Ocean Grace’ stands as a significant achievement under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, showcasing India’s growing prowess in shipbuilding and maritime technology. As the country progresses towards a more sustainable and self-reliant maritime sector, the 'Ocean Grace’ heralds a new era of innovation and environmental stewardship in Indian waters.

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