India, Dec. 15 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Key Takeaways
Introduction
The National Green Hydrogen Mission: It was launched by the Government of India to cut carbon emissions and make India a global leader in green hydrogen. By 2030, the goal is to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen every year, bringing in Rs.8 lakh crore investments, creating 6 lakh jobs, and saving Rs.1 lakh crore in fossil fuel imports. The mission focuses on production, pilot projects, electrolyser manufacturing, skill training, infrastructure, and research, with plans to replace fossil fuels in steel, transport, and fertilizer sectors. To push this forward three major ports namely Kandla, Paradip and Tuticorin ports have been identified by MoPSW to be developed as Green Hydrogen hubs.[4]
India's Green Port Initiatives[6]
Flagship Initiatives and Programmes powering India's Green Maritime Economy
The 'Panch Karma Sankalp,' announced in May 2024, includes five major announcements focusing on green shipping and digitization: MoPSW will provide 30% financial support for promoting green shipping under the Green Tug Transition Programme, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, VO Chidambaranar Port, Paradip Port, and Deendayal Port will procure two green tugs each; Deendayal Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin will be developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs; a Single Window Portal will be established to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises; and Jawaharlal Nehru Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin will be transformed into smart ports .[10]
Cleaner Ports: Cutting Emissions Through Green Tech & Practices[14]
India's Global Green Maritime Partnerships & Dialogues
India-Singapore: Under, Central Government, the bilateral relations with Singapore have expanded across sectors. The India-Singapore Green & Digital Shipping Corridor will accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, strengthen digital tools, and transform maritime operations. The collaboration in green shipping, renewable energy, and maritime innovation will accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.[18]
India's Strategic Framework for Green Shipping and Marine Pollution Control[20]
Conclusion
The idea of Green Maritime in India grew from the need to make port operations safer, cleaner, and more sustainable. As global HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards gained importance, Indian ports recognized that efficiency must go hand in hand with environmental protection and workers' welfare. India has a long coastline with mangroves, lagoons, coral reefs, and beaches. It is rich in biodiversity and marine life, supporting many coastal communities but these coastal areas face growing pressure from trade and development. To manage this responsibly, Indian ports, as obligated entities under Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), must focus on renewable power and adhere to the International Maritime Organization's alignment with 9 UN Sustainable Development Goals for safe, efficient, and sustainable ports. This shift has made it essential for ports to adopt renewable energy, improve air and water quality, expand green cover, and enhance waste management. Building safe, sustainable, and green ports is now central to India's effort to protect its environment while supporting economic growth.[1]
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) chalked out the Maritime India Vision 2030 which are the blueprint towards empowering India's maritime sector and enabling it to become greener, cleaner and sustainable.[2]The future of maritime transport lies in clean fuels like green hydrogen, ammonia, biofuels, and LNG. In this direction, India's National Green Hydrogen Mission is paving the way for zero-emission fuels, ensuring that our ports are not just fueling trade, but also fueling a sustainable future.[3]
Maritime India Vision 2030 & Amrit Kaal 2047: India's Green Maritime Roadmap
The Central Government is planning the following steps to make Indian ports greener and more sustainable:
1. Usage of rooftops of offices, warehouses and other unusable land.
2. Shallow port water surfaces can be used to develop floating PV assets. Floating PV is rapidly gaining commercial acceptance.
Through initiatives like the 'Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines', 2023, 'National Green Hydrogen Mission, 2023', and the 'Green Tug Transition Programme', 2024, the nation is transforming its ports and shipping industry into beacons of sustainability. The recently announced Rs.25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund aims to catalyze investments in green infrastructure, alternative fuels, and fleet modernization, ensuring that India remains a leader in decarbonization.[7]
Indian ports are switching to clean fuels, shore power, electric equipment, LNG, and green belts to cut emissions and meet sustainability goals.
Ports Bill 2025: Modern Law for Global Green Leadership
Indian Ports Bill, 2025: With the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, India moves from catch-up mode to global maritime leadership. New Law Mandates Global Green Norms, Disaster Readiness for Indian Ports. India's maritime sector has expanded dramatically over the past 10 years. Cargo handling at major ports hit a record 855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, compared to 581 million tonnes in FY 2014-15. Port capacity rose nearly 87 percent in the same period. Average turnaround time for ships has been halved to 48 hours, matching global benchmarks. Coastal shipping volumes got more than doubled, rising by 118 percent, while cargo movement on inland waterways jumped nearly sevenfold. Indian ports are gaining global recognition, with nine featuring in the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index. Yet, industry leaders had long called for a modern law to replace the outdated 1908 framework.[15]
India is building global partnerships and hosting key dialogues to drive green, digital, and sustainable maritime growth.
Four Central Themes are:
India today is laying down a robust strategic framework for green shipping and marine pollution control:
India stands poised at the threshold of a transformative maritime era - one that harnesses its vast coastline, growing industrial capacity and strategic position to not only advance trade and connectivity but also cement a legacy of sustainability and resilience. Through visionary programmes, legislative reforms and green-shipping initiatives, the country is rewiring its maritime ecosystem for the future: cleaner ports, low-emission fleets, smart infrastructure and inclusive opportunity. As India charts its course toward 2047, it is doing so not just as a rising maritime power, but as a responsible steward of the seas, a globally competitive economy and a partner committed to the well-being of the planet.
References:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2182946
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2105136
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2105085
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2182563
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2045946
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2074644
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2155480
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2109521
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id155063&NoteId155063&ModuleId3
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID2155845
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID2167305
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2157621
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
https://shipmin.gov.in/sites/default/files/Harit%20Sagar%20-%20Green%20Port%20Guidelines%20.pdf
Sagarmala
MIV 2030 Report.pdf
Click here to see pdf
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
