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.

• A tug is a particular class of boat which helps mega-ships enter or leave a port.

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.

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.