राष्ट्रीय हरित पत्तन एवं पोत परिवहन उत्कृष्टता केन्द्र

National Centre of Excellence in Green Ports and Shipping

The shipping industry, undeterred by the Trump administration's resistance to a global carbon price, is making significant investments in emissions reduction, as highlighted by a Reuters analysis. Despite being responsible for almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the sector is pushing towards greener practices, encouraged by countries like those in Europe and Brazil. However, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia delayed a crucial decision on a $380-per-metric-ton carbon levy proposed by the International Maritime Organization. Initially, analysts expressed concern that this lack of a unified global regulatory framework could hinder investment in green technologies.

French private equity firm Eurazeo has secured a €175m ($209m) first closing for its Eurazeo Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure II (ESMI II) fund, comfortably above an initial €125m target and approaching half of its €400m final goal. ESMI II provides senior secured, asset‑based financing to European small and mid‑sized shipowners and maritime stakeholders, targeting marine transport, offshore renewables and port infrastructure that embed the latest sustainable technologies. The fund builds on the Article 9-aligned objectives of its predecessor, aiming to generate measurable environmental impact alongside steady returns and support 20–30 climate-aligned maritime projects.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has initiated a two-year global campaign centered on the World Maritime Day theme for 2026-2027: ‘From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence’. In a video message, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of implementing the global regulatory framework developed by the IMO into actionable items that yield real-world benefits. He specifically highlighted the relevance of 'practice' as it pertains to the various stakeholders involved, including seafarers, port workers, those overseeing ship operations, ship recycling personnel, as well as port State control officers and flag State administrators. This framework codes and guidelines help to ensure ships operate and trade safely, efficiently and smoothly.

The United Kingdom’s first commercially ready bio-methanol storage and bunkering service for maritime fuel has been launched at the Port of Immingham, the country’s largest port by cargo volume, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing shipping operations. The initiative is a three-way partnership between Exolum, Methanex Corporation, and Ørsted, combining storage and fueling infrastructure, bio-methanol supply, and initial usage by offshore wind service vessels. This facility enables marine bunkering of bio-methanol—a low-carbon alternative fuel that can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 % compared with conventional marine fuels—and demonstrates how existing port energy infrastructure can be adapted to support sustainable fuels.

The Government of India has formally initiated the establishment of the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) through a multi-agency Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving key entities like the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), CONCOR, and major port authorities. This strategic move aims to create a domestically anchored container ecosystem to reduce India's vulnerability to volatile global freight rates and supply chain shocks. The initiative is closely aligned with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) introduced in the Union Budget 2026-27 and includes a massive funding commitment of up to ₹15,000 crore for port capacity expansion and infrastructure projects.