Rate-matching demands delay rollout of India’s clean harbour tug initiative.

Green Tug Transition Programme Slows as Tender Finalisation Stalls at Two Major Ports.

India’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has hit a slowdown as tender finalisation remains pending at New Mangalore Port Authority and Chennai Port Authority. In both cases, the lowest bidder—Underwater Services Company Ltd, a unit of Samson Maritime Ltd—has been repeatedly asked to match lower green tug rates discovered in later tenders at other ports. Despite offering substantial reductions from its original bids, final awards have been delayed, impacting the pace of implementation. GTTP aims to replace conventional fuel-based harbour tugs with battery-electric and other cleaner alternatives. The first phase, running until December 2027, targets the procurement of seven green tugs across six major ports, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Visakhapatnam Port Authority. While several ports have completed awards, delays at New Mangalore and Chennai highlight pricing challenges in India’s green maritime transition.