The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has shared that India aims to emerge as a global hub for green ship building by 2030. The innovative Green Tug Transition Programme is paving the way for this development, as it seeks to reduce emissions and foster sustainable practices.
Launch of the Green Tug Transition Programme
The Green Tug Transition Programme signals India’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives in the shipping sector. As implied by the name, the programme will start with ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’ powered by environment-conscious Hybrid Propulsion systems. Looking ahead, non-fossil fuel solutions such as Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen will also be incorporated. The ambitious goal of the project is to have working Green Tugs in all major ports by 2025, and convert 50% of all Tugs to Green Tugs by 2030.
National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping
To further strengthen its green initiative in the shipping sector, India has established its first National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NoCEGPS) in Gurugram, Haryana. An alliance between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Energy and Resources Institute, the NoCEGPS is expected to play a vital role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (14). This goal centers around the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, conservation, and the sustainable use of ocean-based resources. Further, the center will also formulate the regulatory framework postulating the use of alternative technologies, thereby transforming shipbuilding in India into a green enterprise.
PM Gati Shakti Initiative & The Green Voyage 2050 Project
The PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity has lent momentum to the creation of green logistics supply chains along with the Green Ports initiative. This scheme aims to reduce carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled by 30% by 2030. Moreover, the Green Voyage 2050 Project in partnership with the Government of Norway and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is working towards a lower carbon future for the shipping industry.
Implications of India’s Green Shift in Shipbuilding
With its objective to become a global hub for green shipbuilding by 2030, India is taking significant strides towards a more sustainable and cleaner environment. Initiatives such as the Green Tug Transition Programme, NoCEGPS, PM Gati Shakti, and the Green Voyage 2050 Project are expected to speed up the development of green logistics supply chains, thus reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question related to Maritime Cooperation
In connection to the ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), Candidates were asked to assess the following statements: It was created very recently in response to incidents of piracy and oil spills. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
The correct answer was that neither statement was accurate. The IOR-ARC, established in Mauritius in March 1997, is a regional cooperation initiative aiming to promote economic and technical cooperation among its members. Further, it strives to foster trade, socio-economic, and cultural cooperation in the Indian Ocean Rim area. Its focus does not rest solely on maritime security.