Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates First-Ever Made-in-India ASTDS Tug ‘Ocean Grace’
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH virtually inaugurated the 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU). The Ocean Grace is the first ASTDS tug built in India under MoPSW, developed by Cochin Shipyard.
The Union Minister said, “The “Ocean Grace” built for Rs. 45 crores, stands as a pinnacle of maritime engineering, equipped with cutting-edge technology and boasting a remarkable bollard pull of 60 tonnes. Its imminent inauguration heralds a significant leap forward in our pursuit of maritime infrastructure excellence, promising years of uninterrupted and flawless port operations ahead”.
As per the information, the ASTDS tug is powered by NIGATA main engines and a Power Z-Peller ZP Propulsion engine. The tug is engineered to the highest standards of efficiency and dependability, ensuring smooth sailing and expert vessel assistance—particularly for larger ships such as VLCCs and ULCCs.
Union Minister @sarbanandsonwal dedicates first-ever Made-in-India ASTDS tug
The Tug ‘Ocean Grace’ is built by Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat
The Mobile Medical Unit dedicated will offer a wide range of healthcare services
Read here:… pic.twitter.com/33XTvW7B3Y
— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 3, 2024
Paradip Port Authority has fulfilled the vision by coming up with India’s first ASTDS Tug. Domestic/short sea shipping ferries, port boats (tugs/crafts/dredgers), and OSVs/PSVs seek to achieve a noteworthy reduction of 50% by 2030 to 70% by 2047 by putting measures in place to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. And, the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) aims to have Green Tugs operating at all major ports and to transform at least 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030.
The Decarbonization Cell is slated to lead the development of cutting-edge technological vessels in the upcoming years, starting pilot runs across multiple categories, following the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Five electric water taxis, two hybrid electric Ro-Ro ferries, and two hybrid LNG electric cargo vessels are all part of this large-scale project.
The future aim is also to incorporate green hydrogen and ammonia-powered tugs at four major ports. In addition, the deployment of a green hydrogen or ammonia-propelled coastal cargo bulk carrier, along with an offshore vessel, reflecting commitment towards sustainable maritime practices and environmental stewardship is also envisioned.
Other Similar Projects
In the state of Odisha, the Sagarmala Programme has been instrumental in driving significant infrastructural development along its coastal areas. Currently, 53 projects worth nearly Rs. 54,500 Cr are being monitored, with 21 projects already complete and the rest in various stages of implementation.
The Holistic Development of Coastal Districts initiative has nine projects identified, totaling Rs. 157 Cr. focusing on fisheries, skill development, tourism, and urban water transportation.
Paradip Port significantly contributes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, encompassing education, environment, healthcare, sanitation, electricity, sports, and culture. The Western Dock project worth Rs 3,004.63 crore is crucial to increase its capacity to over 300MTPA in the next two years. The project involves deepening and optimization of inner harbor facilities including the development of a western dock on the build, operate, and transfer (BOT) basis under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode at Paradip Port.
Paradip Port noteworthy manages almost 25% of the coastal traffic handled by all ports in the country. It offers enterprises throughout the nation economical and effective port services, operating at over 80% berth mechanization. In the fiscal year 2022–2023, it achieved 32,500 metric tons per ship birthday.
While inaugurating Sarbananda Sonowal said, ‘Paradip Port stands as a shining example of progress and growth. With each passing year, it sets new benchmarks in EXIM traffic management, symbolizing the Ministry’s commitment to efficiency and excellence.’
In addition, the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) has also been inaugurated costing around Rs 48LPA to operate. Dignitaries such as Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for MoPSW and Tourism; Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for MoPSW; and Secretary T.K. Ramachandran, MoPSW, were present at the virtual event.
