राष्ट्रीय हरित पत्तन एवं पोत परिवहन उत्कृष्टता केन्द्र

National Centre of Excellence in Green Ports and Shipping

Despite welcoming the International Maritime Organization’s agreement earlier this year to reach net zero emissions “by or around” 2050, the shipping industry is still lagging on its 2030 climate targets, a UN-backed report shows.

Azra Tech, a pioneer in sustainable marine technologies, announces a strategic collaboration with Neptune Lines Shipping and Managing Enterprises SA, a leading short-sea car carrier operator in Europe and the Mediterranean, to support innovation in eco-friendly vessel performance. In July 2022, Azra Tech applied its groundbreaking biocide-free, ultra-low-friction hull coating system to Neptune Aegli at Odessos Shipyard in Bulgaria. Based on proprietary nano-technology and backed by Blue Race Performance Guarantee, the system is designed to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Over 36 months of continuous operation across European ports, Azra Tech reports that the coating achieved significant fuel savings and CO2 emissions reduction, outperforming original expectations.

The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has achieved a new benchmark by being declared India's first accredited Green Port under the Green Port Certification Programme, an accreditation received from the Centre of Excellence on ESG and Circularity. This recognition follows a year after the port became the first in the country to offer incentives and discounts to commercial vessels based on their Environment Ship Index scores, aligning its efforts with global initiatives to curb air emissions in shipping. The port is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint, having operationalized a 3MW solar power plant with plans for expansion to 5MW. Furthermore, MPA is one of three ports selected by the World Bank for a greening ports project.

The UK government and private industry have announced a joint investment of over £1.1 billion in the maritime sector to stimulate growth, create jobs, and enhance skills in the nation's coastal towns and cities. The funding is split between £700 million in private investment for major UK ports and industry leaders, and £448 million in public investment aimed at reducing emissions from UK shipping. The public investment will strengthen the UK SHORE programme, supporting the research and development of clean maritime technologies and fuels, including electric power, hydrogen, ammonia, and wind propulsion, with the goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.

India has set a goal to capture 5% of the global shipbuilding market by 2030, a target announced by Union Minister Shantanu Thakur. To achieve this, the country plans to establish 10 new shipyards through public-private partnerships and international collaborations. A key part of the strategy is the creation of a national container shipping line by 2030, with a further goal for Indian shipyards to build half of the domestic container vessels by 2035. The government is supporting these efforts with a new Maritime Development Fund and a forthcoming National Shipbuilding Policy that will provide tax incentives and streamline regulations. The plan also emphasizes green shipping, aiming for at least 30% of India's fleet to run on clean fuels like LNG, methanol, and hydrogen by 2047.