Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has placed a Rs 4.54 billion with Cochin Shipyard Ltd for eight conventional 70-tonne bollard pull harbour tugs. While this move bolsters APSEZ's operational capabilities, it skips an opportunity to align with the Union government’s Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP), which aims to phase out conventional fuel-based tugs by introducing greener alternatives such as electric or hydrogen-powered tugs.

The GTTP, launched in August, outlines plans for major ports to transition to eco-friendly tug fleets by 2040, with an initial phase requiring four ports to acquire green tugs by 2027. However, none of the 152 tugs in Adani Ports’ fleet, including those in this new order, meet green standards.

Despite the absence of green technology, the order supports the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, as the tugs will be built locally at Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd. Adani Ports’ CEO Ashwani Gupta emphasised the commitment to leveraging Indian manufacturing capabilities to enhance maritime infrastructure while maintaining operational efficiency.

Cochin Shipyard’s Chairman Madhu Nair acknowledged the slow but eventual shift to green technologies, suggesting a transitional coexistence of conventional and green tugs in the coming years. This order underscores the need for balancing immediate operational requirements with long-term sustainability goals in India's maritime sector.