In a momentous virtual ceremony on March 2, 2024, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, heading the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) & AYUSH, inaugurated the ground-breaking 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the innovative Medical Mobile Unit (MMU). These initiatives underscore India’s commitment to self-reliance and corporate social responsibility in the maritime sector.
Developed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW, ‘Ocean Grace’ is hailed as the first Make in India ASTDS Tug, a remarkable achievement for the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities. The vessel, powered by NIGATA main engines and a Power Z-Peller ZP Propulsion engine, exemplifies optimal efficiency and reliability, tailored for seamless navigation and efficient assistance to large vessels like Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs) The Medical Mobile Unit (MMU), an integral part of the port’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, was also inaugurated during the event. This underscores the port’s dedication to community welfare and aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The virtual ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shripad Naik and Shantanu Thakur, Union Ministers of State for MoPSW and Tourism, along with T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of MoPSW, and other notable figures. During his address, Sonowal commended Paradip Port as a symbol of progress and growth, setting new benchmarks in EXIM traffic management and embodying the Ministry’s commitment to efficiency and excellence. The occasion also shed light on the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), aiming to convert 50% of all tugs into environmentally friendly counterparts by 2030. As part of the initiative, major ports, including JNPA, DPA, PPA, and VoCPA, plan to acquire two battery-electric powered green tugs from Cochin Shipyard by 2027. Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has taken a pioneering step by unveiling India’s first ASTDS Tug, aligning with the broader goal of achieving a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across maritime operations by 2030 and 2047. This landmark event not only signifies technological prowess but also marks a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of sustainable and innovative maritime solutions.
