The Maritime sector represents potential for significant development in India, thanks to its extensive seafaring workforce. On the other hand, Norway offers a wealth of technical expertise in the same sector. This combination makes the two countries natural complementary partners for this space. To leverage these advantages, the 8th Norway-India Joint Working Group Maritime meeting was recently organized in Mumbai, India.
This article will explore the key discussions held during the meeting, insights into Maritime India Vision 2030, and targets set for the same.
Key Discussions during the Norway-India Joint Maritime Meeting
The focus of the meeting revolved around the use of alternative fuels such as green ammonia and hydrogen for future shipping activities. The successful Norwegian Green Shipping Programme shared its experiences and expertise with attendees. Both India and Norway are participating members of the Green Voyage 2050 project, reaffirming their commitment, partnership, and capacity building for achieving common goals.
India, being a signatory to the Hongkong Convention for Recycling of Ships, requested that European Union regulations should not obstruct the recycling of ships from non-European countries that comply with International Convention standards. Indian recyclers have invested extensively in ship recycling, and it would be unbeneficial to delay the process.
Further, the Norwegian delegation is set to take part in various maritime-focused events such as INMARCO, the Green Shipping Conclave, and the Maritime ShEO conference. Backed by Norway, the Maritime ShEO conference emphasizes diversity and sustainability within the maritime industry, including gender equality.
Understanding the Maritime India Vision 2030
Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 was unveiled by the Prime Minister of India at the Maritime India Summit in November 2020. It serves as a blueprint for the maritime sector for the next decade, diligently prepared in consultation with over 350 public and private sector stakeholders.
The vision is moulded around ten themes that include the development of top-notch port infrastructure, enhancing logistics efficiency through technology and innovation, strengthening policy and institutional frameworks, and promoting ocean, coastal, and river cruise sectors among others.
Key Targets for 2030
By 2030, the MIV aims to establish three major ports with a cargo handling capacity exceeding 300 Million Ton Per Annum (MTPA). The vision is set on increasing Indian cargo transshipment handled by Indian ports to more than 75% and having more than 85% of cargo handled at Major Ports by Public Private Partnership or other operators. Further goals include reducing the average vessel turnaround time to less than 20 hours, gaining a global ranking within the top 10 in ship building and repair, and having more than 60% share of renewable energy at Major Ports.
The dynamic collaboration between India and Norway signifies a promising future for global maritime activities. The Maritime India Vision 2030 lays down a comprehensive roadmap for revolutionizing the sector within the next decade, opening avenues for international partnerships, technical advances, and sustainability measures.
