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Context

India and Norway are collaborating to advance sustainable green maritime practices, leveraging Norway's low-emission expertise and India's shipping industry to decarbonize the sector.

What is the Green Maritime Partners Initiative?

It is a bilateral commitment between India and Norway to promote sustainable practices and technologies in the maritime sector. 

This partnership builds upon existing dialogues, such as the India-Norway Joint Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development, established in 2019. 

The initiative focuses on:

Decarbonization of shipping

Exploring and implementing solutions for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from vessels.

Green technologies

Facilitating the development and adoption of alternative fuels (e.g., green hydrogen, ammonia, methanol), energy efficiency measures, and digital solutions for ports and ships.

Skill development and technology transfer

Enhancing capabilities and sharing expertise in green shipbuilding, ship recycling, and maritime operations.

Sustainable ocean management

Addressing broader aspects of the blue economy, including marine pollution and ocean health.

Significance of Green Maritime Cooperation 

Decarbonizing Global Shipping

The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2023 GHG Strategy sets ambitious targets for international shipping: 

• Achieving net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050
• Reducing carbon intensity by at least 40% by 2030, compared to 2008
• Increasing the use of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies to 5%, ideally 10%, of energy by 2030.

Bilateral cooperation between India and Norway is strengthening and supporting the industry to reach these global goals.

Economic Stake in Green Shipping

The Indian economy relies heavily on its maritime sector, which handles approximately 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value. (Source: PIB)

Achieving India's 2047 developed nation goal and managing global seaborne trade requires green shipping for economic growth and competitiveness.

Norway's Leadership in Sustainable Maritime Solutions

Norway excels in low/zero-emission, digital maritime, and ship retrofitting, aiming for the world's most efficient, eco-friendly coastal shipping via its "Green Coastal Shipping Programme."

Synergistic Partnership

Norway and India are collaborating on green solutions. Norway contributes green technology and expertise (electric ferries, hydrogen, ammonia fuels), while India provides a large market, manufacturing, and a skilled maritime workforce. 

India's Strategy for Green Shipping

Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

This long-term roadmap outlines nearly ₹80 lakh crore in investments for ports, coastal shipping, inland waterways, shipbuilding, and green shipping initiatives. 

It aims to reduce carbon emissions per ton of cargo by 30% by 2030 and 70% by 2047 in the maritime sector.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

India aims to position itself as a global leader in green hydrogen production, utilization, and export, with the shipping sector identified as a key application area.

Sagarmala Programme

The Sagarmala initiative aims to modernize ports and develop coastal areas through 840 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore, to be completed by 2035. This includes creating green transport networks. (Source: DD NEWS)

Green Port Initiatives

The "Harit Sagar" Green Port Guidelines, launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways offer a framework for major ports, such as Kandla Port, to decrease their carbon footprint through green technologies, increased renewable energy use, electrified operations, and waste reduction.

Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) and Harit Nauka Initiative

These programs focus on adopting low-emission and alternative fuel-powered ships and tugs.

Shipbuilding and Recycling

India is working to become one of the top five global shipbuilding nations by promoting its domestic industry and through the Alang Ship Recycling Programme, which focuses on sustainable ship recycling.

International Collaborations

India is collaborating with countries, such as the Netherlands, to create green, digital corridors for green hydrogen export.

Way Forward for India

Accelerate Joint R&D

Boost collaborative R&D in green fuels, energy storage, and efficient vessel designs to cut costs and overcome tech hurdles.

Develop Robust Infrastructure

Establish green hydrogen/ammonia bunkering at key ports, creating 'Green Shipping Corridors' for global replication

Harmonize Regulations and Standards

Collaborate in international forums like the IMO to promote clear, consistent, and fair global regulations and safety standards for alternative fuels and green technologies.

Promote Private Sector Engagement

Encourage public-private green maritime partnerships through clear policies, financial incentives, and risk-sharing.

Promote Skill Development and Knowledge Exchange

Expand training for seafarers, port workers, and engineers in new green technologies and operations, ensuring a just transition for the workforce.

Leverage Multilateral Platforms

Leverage forums like the India-Nordic Summit to expand green maritime cooperation and inspire global decarbonization.

Conclusion

India and Norway can set a global standard for sustainable ocean stewardship by collaborating on green maritime goals, accelerating the shipping industry's move towards net-zero.

Source: THEHINDU