A tender issued by the Deendayal Port Authority in Mumbai has attracted offers from six groups, including Shipping Corporation of India Ltd, Polestar Maritime Ltd, and Netincon Marketing Pvt Ltd. The tender is for the hire of an electric tug, marking the first such initiative in India in 15 years.
The maritime industry is actively exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, with ammonia emerging as a promising solution for decarbonizing shipping. It offers zero carbon emissions and can be produced from renewable sources. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to safely integrate ammonia as a marine fuel, requiring understanding, regulation updates, and necessary changes.
The maritime industry is shifting towards sustainability with zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. Seafarers need new skills to handle these “green molecules” safely. The current STCW Convention lacks specific training for these fuels, prompting calls for a comprehensive overhaul. Key competencies and knowledge areas have been identified for seafarers.
India is reviewing its ports nationwide to address operational deficiencies and infrastructure needs. The goal is to enhance capacity, accommodate larger ships, and implement green energy solutions. The evaluation covers major ports as part of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to establish benchmark standards and improve infrastructure for sustainable growth.
