Last week, the Indian government unveiled new guidelines for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) as part of its Green Shipping Policy. The GTTP aims to phase out conventional fuel-based harbor tugs in major Indian ports and replace them with green tugs powered by cleaner and more sustainable alternative fuels. This initiative is one of the five major initiatives under the Green Shipping Policy, with 30 percent financial support from the Ministry of Ports and Shipping. The program will be implemented in phases, starting with phase one in October and continuing until December 2027. During this phase, four major ports will procure or charter at least two green tugs each, with designs and specifications issued by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC). Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal clarified that the initial tugs will be battery-electric but have the flexibility to adopt other emerging green technologies like hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen. The government's goal is for all tugs in major Indian ports to transition to green fuels by 2040, aligning with India's Green Port Guidelines for carbon emission reductions. By building the tugs in Indian shipyards, the government aims to boost domestic innovation, manufacturing, and create employment opportunities in the maritime industry, emphasizing the 'Make in India' initiative.