राष्ट्रीय हरित पत्तन एवं पोत परिवहन उत्कृष्टता केन्द्र

National Centre of Excellence in Green Ports and Shipping

Starting in 2025, two IMO resolutions mandate a new format for the ballast water record book (BWRB) and the approval of electronic versions when replacing hard copy versions on board vessels. The new guidance, adopted in Circular BWM.2/Circ.80, aims to clarify the record-keeping and reporting process under the BWM Convention. It includes guidance on completing the BWRB, including an updated example ballast water reporting form, an example form for voluntary tank-by-tank logging of BW operations, and examples of logging operations when encountering challenging water qualities. The amendment will take effect on 1 February 2025.

The Union government is considering setting up green hydrogen refueling stations for green ships along the southern coast of India to cater to vessels on the Indian Ocean, said Abhay Bhakre, mission director for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Speaking at a conference on green hydrogen organized by The Energy And Resources Institute, Bhakre said that such centres would provide green ammonia and green methanol, both derivatives of green hydrogen, to the ships as per their requirement. Green ammonia is produced using green hydrogen and nitrogen, while green methanol is produced by combining green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide. TERI's report highlighted the global trial of using green hydrogen for shipping, suggesting India could begin on a modest scale to explore this alternative

PortXchange has released a white paper, Collaborative Partnerships for Effective Maritime Decarbonization – A White Paper for Global Port Leaders, authored by Professor Dr. Beatriz Canamary. The paper, based on discussions at the Collaborative Partnerships for Effective Maritime Decarbonization Leadership two roundtable, aims to bring together industry leaders committed to reducing emissions in port operations. The paper explores best practices, potential collaborations, and pitfalls encountered by port leaders on their journey to a decarbonized future. The white paper is a vital resource for port authorities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking practical pathways to zero-emission operations, supported by PortXchange and Green Marine.

Höegh Evi, a leader in floating energy infrastructure, plans to launch Europe's first hydrogen import terminal using its experience with LGN. Working with officials in the French Mediterranean port of La Nouvelle, a memorandum of understanding has been signed to study the development of the floating hydrogen import facility. Uniquely, it will be France’s first privately managed port developed by SEMOP and energy is one of its key target markets. The project aims to expand the port from 60 to 210 hectares and increase the water depth to 16 meters to accommodate ships up to 80,000 deadweight tonnes. The port will be France's third-largest Mediterranean port with new terminals, an area for offshore floating wind turbine assembly, and a heavy lift quay.

The World Shipping Council (WSC) has appointed Apostolos Tzitzikostas as the new European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. Tzitzikostas will be responsible for securing supply chains and decarbonizing the shipping sector. Priorities for Tzitzikostas include protecting maritime supply chains from illegal trafficking, integrating renewable energy into transportation, streamlining customs and administrative processes, and promoting public-private partnerships. The WSC is eager to collaborate with the new Commissioner on initiatives that enhance the security of European supply chains and the resilience of the shipping sector, to strengthen EU competitiveness.