SOP for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) launched | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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SOP for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) launched

Posted 17 Aug 2024

2 min read

Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways launched the SOP for GTTP to drive the transition from conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives towards Green shipping.

  • A tug is a particular class of boat which helps mega-ships enter or leave a port.

About GTTP

  • GTTP, announced in 2023, is a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ to phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replace them with green tugs.
    • Panch Karma Sankalp’ includes 5 major announcements including 30% financial support for the promotion of Green Shipping, Single Window Portal to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises, etc.

Need of Green Shipping

  • Shipping sector accounts for nearly 3% of world's CO2 emissions.
  • For India, GHG emissions from maritime (excluding military operations) contribute 1% of overall transport sector GHG emissions.

Challenges in Decarbonization of Shipping

  • High Dependency on fossil Fuels: About 99% of energy demand from the international shipping sector is met by fossil fuels.
  • Transition cost: e.g., For use of LNG fuel, it requires extensive retrofits to existing infrastructure as it require storage of fuel at cryogenic temperatures.
  • Others: Inadequate port facilities resulting in sub-optimal route planning and inefficient fuel consumption, difficulty in enforcing regulations in international waters, etc.

Key Initiatives

Global

  • Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy by IMO: Set a sectoral target of net-zero emissions by or around 2050.
  • Green Voyage 2050: Global programme supporting developing countries to reduce emissions from ships, in line with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.

India

  • Sagarmala Programme: Focuses on port-led development with emphasis on green port initiatives and coastal community development.
  • Maritime India Vision 2030: Focuses on development of Green Ports & Green Shipping in India.
  • Tags :
  • Green Shipping
  • Green Tug Transition Program
  • Panch Karma Sankalp
  • Maritime India Vision 2030
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