The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal at Cochin Shipyard reviewing shipbuilding activities
Cochin Shipyard has commenced the construction of two green tugs being developed under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) of the Shipping Ministry.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal presided over the steel cutting ceremony of the green tugs — the Ministry’s flagship sustainability initiative — at a function held at the shipyard on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the Green Tug Transition Programme marks a transformative leap in India’s shipbuilding and green maritime journey. The indigenous development of hybrid and electric propulsion tugs is not just a technological advancement, but a symbol of India’s growing capability to lead the global green maritime movement.
CSL is the first Indian company to undertake the construction of these hybrid and electric propulsion tugs, with a total of 16 vessels planned across major ports in India. The project is being executed in collaboration with Robert Allan Ltd., the Indian Register of Shipping, and other global experts, marking a major step in India’s green maritime transition, the Minister.
Enhance shipbuilding capacity
Unveiling the advanced machinery to enhance shipbuilding capacity of the country, the Minister inaugurated the ProArc CNC Plasma Cum Oxy Fuel Plate Cutting Machine, an advanced Industry 4.0-ready facility that will significantly enhance CSL’s shipbuilding capabilities. Fully IoT-enabled 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 Minister also reviewed the progress of the construction of India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (12,000 cu.m), being built by CSL for the Dredging Corporation of India in partnership with IHC Holland.
Madhu S.Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard said that the yard has completed Rs3500 crore CAPEX amid challenges and is planning to go for ship repair cluster at Kochi and Vadinar. There are also plans to significantly change the ship building landscape by partnering with global leading shipbuilding groups. “We are in close contact and in discussion with global shipping companies:, he added.
Published on April 7, 2025
