India and the European Union (EU) have established an industry coalition to create a green shipping corridor, aiming to enhance cleaner maritime trade routes and promote low-emission fuels. Announced at the third Sagar Manthan event, Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar emphasized that the coalition will unite companies to develop green shipping infrastructure, facilitating the maritime sector’s transition to sustainable practices.
The initiative addresses the shipping industry’s urgent need to reduce emissions while navigating geopolitical challenges and supply-chain vulnerabilities. Kumar highlighted the importance of international collaboration to bolster supply-chain resilience and attract private investment for maritime infrastructure, ensuring emerging economies can participate in the global shift to cleaner fuels.
In parallel, India plans to boost renewable energy usage in major ports, targeting over 60% by 2030 and more than 90% by 2047. Progressively, diesel-powered harbour tugs will be replaced with green-powered vessels, with key ports like Deendayal, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar designated as hubs for green hydrogen production and storage.
Additionally, India aims to expand port capacity to 10 billion tonnes annually by 2047, aligning infrastructure development with efforts to adopt cleaner fuels and lower-emission maritime operations, thereby reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
