Cochin Shipyard's Tug Manufacturing Highlights India’s Green Maritime Leadership: Minister
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Synopsis
On April 8, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the significance of indigenous hybrid and electric propulsion tugs as a reflection of India’s advancing role in the global green maritime sector during a ceremony at Cochin Shipyard.
Key Takeaways
- Indigenous development of hybrid and electric tugs.
- Launch of advanced shipbuilding machinery.
- Real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities.
- Green Tug Transition Programme initiated.
- Strategic importance of new dredger construction.
New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) The indigenous development of hybrid and electric propulsion tugs is not only a technological advancement but also a symbol of India’s growing capability to lead the global green maritime movement, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has stated.
After unveiling advanced machinery at Cochin Shipyard to enhance the country’s shipbuilding capacity, the minister remarked that this initiative is a step towards realizing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
The Union Minister inaugurated the ‘ProArc CNC Plasma Cum Oxy Fuel Plate Cutting Machine’ — a state-of-the-art facility that will significantly boost Cochin Shipyard Limited’s shipbuilding capabilities.
This system enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved production efficiency, aligning perfectly with the objectives of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) 2.0.
“The introduction of Industry 4.0-ready facilities and the Green Tug Transition Programme signifies a groundbreaking leap in India's shipbuilding and green maritime journey,” stated Sonowal.
The Union Minister also led the steel cutting ceremony for two Green Tugs being developed under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a flagship sustainability initiative by the Ministry.
Cochin Shipyard stands as the first Indian company to undertake the construction of these hybrid and electric propulsion tugs, with a total of 16 vessels planned across major ports in the country.
This project is being executed in partnership with Robert Allan Ltd., the Indian Register of Shipping, and other global experts, marking a significant advancement in India’s green maritime transition.
“From constructing the iconic INS Vikrant to delivering over 175 vessels and completing more than 2,500 ship repair projects, Cochin Shipyard embodies the transformative vision of PM Modi towards self-reliance,” noted the minister.
“Under his leadership, India’s maritime sector is reaching new heights — through world-class infrastructure, national expansion, and institutions like METI that are shaping the skilled maritime workforce of the future,” Sonowal emphasized.
The Union Minister also reviewed the progress of constructing India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger, being built by Cochin Shipyard for the Dredging Corporation of India in collaboration with IHC Holland.
This dredger serves as a strategic national asset that will decrease reliance on foreign services while enhancing coastal access and maritime infrastructure.
