Cochin Shipyard Ltd is set to begin construction on two green tugs ahead of firm orders, anticipating contracts under India’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).

The move aims to reduce build time once tenders are awarded by major ports. Steel cutting begins Monday, attended by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Ports like JNPA, VOC Port, and Deendayal Port have floated tenders to charter electric tugs for up to 15 years. The ₹1,000 crore GTTP aims to replace conventional tugs with battery-electric and future-ready green variants by 2040. Cochin Shipyard expects to build tugs for bidders like Shipping Corporation of India and Polestar Maritime if they secure contracts. Green tugs will significantly cut emissions while enhancing port operations.