Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates First Made-in-India ASTDS Tug

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH, virtually inaugurated the 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) on March 2, 2024. The Ocean Grace is the first Make-in-India ASTDS Tug developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW. The MMU is part of the port’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Key Highlights

1. Ocean Grace: A Milestone in Atmanirbhar Bharat

  • Cochin Shipyard Limited constructed the ‘Ocean Grace’, the first Make in India ASTDS Tug, promoting self-reliant India under MoPSW.

2. Medical Mobile Unit (MMU): Enhancing Healthcare Services

  • The MMU, dedicated alongside the Ocean Grace, offers a diverse range of healthcare services, underscoring the port’s dedication to community well-being.

Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)

1. Vision for Green Tugs by 2030

  • GTTP aims to convert 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030, with major ports transitioning to eco-friendly operations.

2. Procurement of Green Tugs

  • JNPA, DPA, PPA, and VoCPA will procure two brand-new green tugs from Cochin Shipyard by 2027 as part of the initial phase.

Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

1. Decarbonisation Initiatives

  • Initiatives include the development and deployment of cutting-edge technology vessels, such as electric water taxis, hybrid ferries, and LNG-electric cargo carriers.

2. Sustainable Practices

  • The vision encompasses the incorporation of green hydrogen and ammonia-powered vessels at major ports, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability.

Piyush Shukla

Recent Posts

NASA Names Artemis III Crew for Historic 2027 Moon Mission Test Flight

NASA has announced the crew for the Artemis III mission which is scheduled for the…

6 hours ago

National Award-Winning Director Bharathi Rajaa Passes Away at 84 in Chennai

The renowned filmmaker Bharathi Rajaa was passed away in Chennai at the age of 84.…

6 hours ago

Zojila Tunnel Breakthrough Achieved: India Nears All-Weather Connectivity with Ladakh

On 9th of June, 2026 India had achieved the successful breakthrough of the main tunnel…

7 hours ago

PM Modi to Visit France and Slovakia; G7 Summit, Innovation and Strategic Ties in Focus

Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark a six day visit to France…

7 hours ago

Amit Shah Launches LPMS ‘VINIMAY’; India Moves Closer to Smart Border Management

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched the Land Port Management System (LPMS) ‘VINIMAY’ in…

7 hours ago

Reliance Industries and Meta Partner to Build India’s First AI-Enabled Hyperscale Data Centre in Gujarat

The Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Meta Platforms have announced the strategic partnership to establish…

8 hours ago