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Shipyards Advocate for Diesel Electric Tugs in ASTDS Standards.

Indian shipbuilders have requested the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to revise the Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) guidelines to incorporate Diesel Electric Propulsion tugs, citing delivery delays and green transition objectives. The Shipyards Association of India (SAI) stated that current guidelines only acknowledge diesel mechanical propulsion, despite the government’s Green Tug Transition Programme requiring state-owned ports to adopt green tugs by 2030. SAI noted that delivery times for proven diesel mechanical propulsion systems from international suppliers can extend up to 24 months, making it tough to meet tender deadlines that specify an 18-month delivery period. Conversely, diesel electric propulsion systems can be obtained locally within 10–12 months, increasing domestic content and decreasing reliance on imports. The association emphasised advantages such as lower fuel consumption, reduced operating costs, and improved compatibility with green technologies. SAI has suggested amending ASTDS to permit both mechanical and electric propulsion, ensuring timely delivery while endorsing Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable maritime development.