Sarbananda Sonowal dedicates first-ever Made-in-India ASTDS tug

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH inaugurated the 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU), virtually on 2nd March, 2024. The Ocean Grace is the first make in India ASTDS Tug developed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW. The Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) is part of port’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.  This initiative highlights ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of PM Modi. The event was attended virtually by dignitaries namely Shri Shripad Naik, Union MoS of MoPSW and Tourism; Shri Shantanu Thakur, Union MoS of MoPSW; Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW and others.

During the event Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, ‘Paradip Port stands as a shining example of progress and growth. With each passing year, it sets new benchmarks in EXIM traffic management, symbolizing Ministry’s commitment to efficiency and excellence. ‘

‘Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, MoPSW is making efforts to fulfil Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The 'Ocean Grace' built at a cost of Rs. 45 crores, stands as a pinnacle of maritime engineering, equipped with cutting-edge technology and boasting a remarkable bollard pull of 60 tonnes. Its imminent inauguration heralds a significant leap forward in our pursuit of maritime infrastructure excellence, promising years of uninterrupted and flawless port operations ahead’, added Shri Sonowal.

The first ASTDS tug is powered by NIGATA main engines and a Power Z-Peller ZP Propulsion engine, this tug is meticulously designed for optimal efficiency and reliability, guaranteeing seamless navigation and proficient vessel assistance, especially for large vessels like VLCCs and ULCCs.

The goal of the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) is to convert at least 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030 and to have Green Tugs operating at all major ports. JNPA, DPA, PPA, and VoCPA will purchase two brand-new green tugs (battery-electric powered) from Cochin Shipyard by 2027 as part of the first phase. Today, PPA fulfilled the vision by coming up with India’s first ASTDS Tug.  By implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, domestic/short sea shipping ferries, port vessels (tugs/crafts/dredgers), and OSVs/PSVs aim to achieve a remarkable reduction of 50% by 2030 to 70% by 2047.