Union MoPSW & AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal virtually launched the 60T bollard pull tug named Ocean Grace worth Rs 45 crore and the Medical Mobile Unit-MMU with cost of Rs 48 LPA to operate. The Ocean Grace is the first ASTDS Tug constructed under MoPSW and developed by Cochin Shipyard in Bharat.
Considering the Ocean Grace as “a pinnacle of maritime engineering”, Sonowal said it is “equipped with cutting-edge technology and boast of a remarkable bollard pull of 60 tonnes. Its inauguration heralds a significant leap forward in pursuit of maritime infrastructure excellence, promising years of uninterrupted and flawless port operations ahead.”
The ASTDS Tug, powered by engines of NIGATA and Power Z-Peller, will deliver the best standards of efficiency. It will ensure expert vessel assistance and smooth sailing — specifically for massive ships such as VLCCs and ULCCs.
Under the Green Tug Transition Programme or GTTP, domestic or short sea shipping ferries, port boats like tugs, crafts, dredgers, and OSVs or PSVs target reduction of 50 per cent by 2030 to 70 per cent by implementing steps in place to minimise greenhouse gas emissions by 2047. The Centre aims to transform at least 50 per cent of all tugs into Green Tugs and to operate Green Tugs at all significant ports by 2030.
To achieve the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Decarbonisation Cell will catalyse the development of cutting-edge technological vessels in the near future by running pilot projects across numerous categories. The large-scale project includes two hybrid electric Ro-Ro ferries, two hybrid LNG electric cargo vessels and five electric water taxis.
Apart from this, green hydrogen and ammonia-powered tugs will be incorporated at four major ports. The deployment of green hydrogen or ammonia-propelled coastal cargo bulk carrier as well as an offshore vessel is envisioned further.
Other Similar Projects
Under Sagar Mala Programme in Odisha, presently as many as 53 projects worth Rs 54,500 crore are being reviewed, with 21 projects already complete and the rest in many stages of implementation.
The Holistic Development of Coastal Districts initiative worth Rs 157 crore has nine projects focusing on fisheries, skill development, tourism and urban water transportation.
The Western Dock project worth Rs 3,004.63 crore involves optimising inner harbour facilities like the development of a western dock, operate, and transfer basis under Public-Private Partnership mode at Paradip Port.
Paradip Port, responsible for managing country’s 25 per cent of the coastal traffic, stands as “a shining example of progress and growth”, mentioned Sonowal adding, “With each passing year, it sets new benchmarks in EXIM traffic management, symbolising the ministry’s commitment to efficiency and excellence.” In 2022-2023, Paradip Port achieved 32,500 metric tons per ship birthday.
