The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding at the Global Maritime India Summit-2023 in Mumbai. The ministry for ports, shipping and waterways aims to make India a global hub for green shipbuilding by 2030. It has launched the Green Tug Transition Programme to introduce green, hybrid tugs that will be powered by hybrid propulsion systems before adopting non-fossil fuels like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. At least 50% of all the tugs operational in India are likely to be converted into green tugs by 2030, which will considerably reduce emissions in the country.
Damen Shipyards will provide the initial design for green tugs after which Buoyancy Consultants will prepare the detailed des-ign of the vessels, using indigenous equipment wherever possible.
“This (MoU) fully complies with the Damen strategy of sustainable shipbuilding and to become a reliable and green partner for the Indian shipbuilding industry. The MoU with Buoyancy Consultants is one of the first steps we have taken to be present in the Indian maritime market and to make our sustainable solutions accessible for our partners,” said regional sales director, Damen Shipyards (Asia Pacific), Dingeman van Woerden.
“The two firms will collaborate on the production and design, ensuring compliance with Indian shipyard requirements. This collaborative effort will introduce state-of-the-art technology to India’s maritime landscape,” said chief executive officer and managing partner at Buoyancy Consultants, Prasad Sawant.
