New Delhi: Strengthening its Make in India initiative, the Centre today inaugurated 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU). The inauguration was done by Union Minister of MoPSW and AYUSH in a virtual mode. This was the first Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) developed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW.
The minister, during the inauguration, said that the Paradip Port stands as a shining example of progress and growth. With each passing year, it sets new benchmarks in EXIM traffic management, symbolizing Ministry’s commitment to efficiency and excellence.
‘The government is making all efforts to fulfil Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The ‘Ocean Grace’ built at a cost of 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’, added the minister.
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It was said that the goal of the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) is to convert at least 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030 and to have Green Tugs operating at all major ports. JNPA, DPA, PPA, and VoCPA will purchase two brand-new green tugs (battery-electric powered) from Cochin Shipyard by 2027 as part of the first phase. Today, PPA fulfilled the vision by coming up with India’s first ASTDS Tug. By implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, domestic/short sea shipping ferries, port vessels (tugs/crafts/dredgers), and OSVs/PSVs aim to achieve a remarkable reduction of 50% by 2030 to 70% by 2047.
Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, in the coming years’ the Decarbonisation Cell is set to pioneer the development of cutting-edge technology vessels, initiating pilot runs across various categories. This ambitious initiative includes the introduction of five electric water taxis, two hybrid electric Ro-Ro ferries, and two hybrid LNG electric cargo carriers. Furthermore, the plan entails deploying a hybrid tug at JNPA, along with three dual-fuel container Ro-Ro ferries. The endeavour extends to incorporating green hydrogen and ammonia-powered tugs at four major ports.
Additionally, the vision encompasses the deployment of a green hydrogen or ammonia-propelled coastal cargo bulk carrier, along with an offshore vessel, showcasing a dedicated commitment towards sustainable maritime practices and environmental stewardship.
In the state of Odisha, the Sagarmala Programme has been instrumental in driving significant infrastructural development along its coastal areas. Currently, 53 projects valued at approximately Rs. 54,500 Cr are being monitored, with 21 projects already completed, amounting to Rs. 12,700 Cr. An additional 32 projects, valued at Rs. 41,800 Cr, are in various stages of implementation. Notably, 7 projects, partially funded by MoPSW, are underway, with one completed and six in progress. Furthermore, under the Holistic Development of Coastal Districts initiative, nine projects, totalling Rs. 157 Cr, have been identified, focusing on fisheries, skill development, tourism, and urban water transportation. Ongoing endeavours include the transformation of the Paradip fishing harbour into a world-class facility, with a budget of Rs. 108 Cr, and the up skilling of 2860 candidates through the Skill Development Program – Phase II. Looking ahead, upcoming projects aim to uplift the fishermen community by establishing a fishing harbour at Chandipur and improving ferry services between Satapada and Jahnikuda, with a focus on enhancing local connectivity and preserving ecological balance amidst climate change challenges.
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