New Delhi, April 8
The indigenous development of hybrid and electric propulsion tugs is not only a technological advancement but also a symbol of India’s growing capability to lead the global green maritime movement, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has said.
After unveiling advanced machinery at Cochin Shipyard to enhance shipbuilding capacity of the country, the minister remarked that this is a movement towards realising the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
The Union Minister inaugurated the ‘ProArc CNC Plasma Cum Oxy Fuel Plate Cutting Machine’ — an advanced facility that will significantly enhance Cochin Shipyard Limited’s ship-building capabilities.
The system allows real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and increased production efficiency, directly aligning with the objectives of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) 2.0.
“The launch of Industry 4.0-ready facilities and the Green Tug Transition Programme marks a transformative leap in India's shipbuilding and green maritime journey,” said Sonowal.
The Union Minister also presided over the steel cutting ceremony for two Green Tugs being developed under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a flagship sustainability initiative by the Ministry.