Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal today reviewed the progress of proposed green shipping corridors and port readiness for alternative fuels, as part of a larger effort to position India as a hub for cleaner maritime trade routes. According to reports from PIB Delhi, the minister visited The Energy and Resources Institute's (TERI) Gwal Pahari campus in Gurugram and reviewed a series of green shipping initiatives aimed at positioning the sector's decarbonisation as a priority area for his ministry. Officials briefed Sonowal on the ongoing projects and upcoming plans to support the ministry in advancing maritime decarbonisation. "Green shipping is not a choice anymore, it is the direction the world is moving in, and India, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intends to lead from the front," Sonowal stated during the review, emphasizing India's commitment to maritime sustainability. The visit's centrepiece focused on reviewing the proposed green shipping corridors and port readiness for alternative fuels, reflecting the government's push to position India as a hub for cleaner maritime trade routes.
As part of the review, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) presented its work on developing low- and zero-emission shipping corridors, outlining efforts to accelerate the adoption of cleaner fuels and technologies in the shipping ecosystem. As reported by PIB Delhi, this international partnership demonstrates India's commitment to leveraging global expertise in maritime sustainability initiatives. The National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS) also presented its mandate, ongoing projects and upcoming plans to support the ministry in advancing maritime decarbonisation. This collaboration between international experts and domestic research institutions underscores the comprehensive approach being taken to build India's green shipping capabilities. Sonowal has repeatedly flagged green shipping as central to India's ambitions of becoming a top maritime power, with today's visit at TERI signalling continued ministerial attention on translating that agenda into port-level execution.
During the review, three major ports -- Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority and VO Chidambaranar Port Authority -- presented progress on green fuel bunkering hubs, detailing steps to strengthen infrastructure for alternative and green marine fuels. According to PIB Delhi, these ports outlined comprehensive plans to enhance their capabilities for handling cleaner fuel options and supporting the transition to sustainable maritime operations. The programme concluded with an interaction session over lunch between the minister, senior ministry officials and stakeholders from the participating ports and institutions, providing an opportunity for direct dialogue on implementation challenges and future plans. Sonowal emphasized that "Our ports must become ready for the fuels of tomorrow, and institutions like TERI are critical partners in getting us there faster."
Kamarajar Port Limited separately reported that its coal terminals are now equipped with shore power facilities, allowing berthed vessels to draw electricity from land instead of running onboard engines, cutting emissions at the port. As reported by PIB Delhi, this technological implementation represents a significant step in reducing port-related emissions and demonstrates practical progress in maritime decarbonisation efforts. The port's shore power facilities allow vessels to reduce their operational emissions while berthed, contributing to the overall reduction in port-related environmental impact. Sonowal noted that "From shore power at our coal terminals to bunkering hubs for green fuels, every initiative we saw today takes us closer to a maritime sector that is cleaner, more competitive and future-ready."
The initiatives collectively span green fuel infrastructure, bunkering readiness, shore power and port decarbonisation, and underline the role of coordination between the government, ports, research institutions and knowledge partners in delivering on India's maritime sustainability targets. According to PIB Delhi, these comprehensive efforts position India as a leader in global maritime sustainability initiatives, with the country's commitment to cleaner maritime trade routes becoming increasingly strategic for the sector's future development. The visit at TERI signalled continued ministerial attention on translating the green shipping agenda into port-level execution, as the MoPSW steps up efforts to build green shipping corridors and bunkering capacity at Indian ports, part of a broader push to align the country's maritime sector with global decarbonisation timelines. Sonowal concluded that "This is a whole-of-ecosystem effort, and I am confident that with our ports, research partners and industry working together, India will be among the frontrunners in the global shift to green shipping."
