Indian Council of World Affairs

Introduction 

Port operations and shipping, which are significant for the blue economy, also possess potential risks to the marine environment through incidents of oil spills and waste discharges, causing air and marine pollution.[i] Other industries that are contributors to the blue economy, such as marine exploration, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic research, and offshore energy, increase these risks and add to the pressure on the marine environment. Harnessing a sustainable blue economy that integrates economic needs while balancing the environmental risks is paramount.

The Blue economy, as defined by the World Bank, is the ‘sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem’.[ii] In the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the blue economy has gained increasing attention among the littoral states, and it is one of the two main cross-cutting areas of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). However, the maritime domain in the IOR also faces numerous challenges, including the impacts of climate change leading to rising sea levels, warm ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, coastal erosion, etc. These environmental changes are causing irreversible damage to marine ecosystems and endangering the sustainable development of the blue economy.[iii]

The ‘Vision of New India by 2030’ declared by the Government of India in 2019 highlights ‘Blue Economy’ as one of the ten core areas of growth.[iv] This clearly expresses that the blue economy is an important part of India’s economic growth strategies. In addition, India has aimed to achieve a 100 billion ocean-based economy, contributing to a 9 per cent GDP share,[v] which, as of today, is around 4 per cent.[vi] At the 26th session of the Conference Of Parties (COP) 26 in 2021, India announced its target to achieve net zero by 2070 as a part of its ‘Panchamrit pledge’.[vii] This commitment included decarbonisation of many sectors and a major emphasis on maritime decarbonisation.[viii] India’s aim for net zero by 2070 further mandates the shipping sector to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emission per tonne of cargo and a 60 per cent increment in total demand for renewable energy at its major ports by 2030.[ix] To achieve those targets, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) launched the ‘Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines’ in 2023,[x] providing the basic framework for Indian ports to undertake various green initiatives.[xi]

One of the key elements of maritime decarbonisation is the adoption of green maritime transport. It involves transitioning to alternate fuels such as green hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels for shipping, establishing green corridors, and implementing green infrastructure at ports. Green maritime transport will also be beneficial for other key sectors like fisheries and tourism, which are primary drivers for India’s blue economy. Besides, through promoting sustainable practices they help build climate resilience and mitigate environmental calamities. This paper thus aims to understand how green maritime transport assists the maritime sector to contribute towards India’s goal of net zero by 2070 and analyse how it makes the blue economy more sustainable for India and across the IOR.

Green Maritime Transport Is Strengthening Net Zero by 2070 Goals

With over 95 per cent of India’s trade by volume moving through the sea, India’s push for Green Maritime Transport can significantly boost maritime decarbonisation, aiding the sector to contribute towards the net-zero target.[xii] Implementing green infrastructure at ports involves utilising renewable energy from offshore windmills and solar panels, etc. In addition, it entails the usage of bunkering terminals and shore power integration. While bunkering terminals store green fuels at ports through onshore infrastructure or floating barges,[xiii] shore power integration involves connecting docked ships to the local grid, allowing ships to switch off their engines. On the other hand, green shipping corridors involve using low-emission fuels and other energy-efficient technologies like wind-assisted propulsion, advanced hull coatings, and optimised engine systems.[xiv] In addition, digital technologies such as IoT-powered sensors, AI-driven analytics, and performance monitoring systems (PMS) allow ships to ensure compliance with strict environmental standards and digitally monitor their emissions while they are in operation.[xv]

India’s first green shipping corridor is in development between Kandla and Tuticorin.[xvi] In addition, three major ports, namely Paradip, Kochi, and Tuticorin, are leading the green transition. These three ports have also been designated as green hydrogen hubs, requiring the production, storage, and export of hydrogen under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.[xvii] Paradip Port, which has completed electrification of a 30-kilometer rail line,[xviii] is also beginning to implement shore power integration,[xix] and installing solar plants.[xx] Tuticorin port, on the other hand, has installed EV charging stations and thus deployed electric vehicles for transporting goods. The integration of smart port technologies in Kochi port (like fitting Internet of Things (IoT) sensors on vehicles)[xxi] has helped to provide ship maintenance alerts on time and reduce vehicle emissions, as these sensors allow fewer vehicles to crowd at a point in time. In addition to these measures, today all the major Indian ports have built capacity to harness renewable energy to help the shipping sector align with their mandated net-zero emission goals. 

The table below shares the status of renewable capacity at Indian ports. 

 (Source: Made by the Author using data from the report on India’s Green Maritime Odyssey, Agenda for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Press Information Bureau, December 15, 2025)

Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy through Facets of India’s Green Maritime Transport:

A.  Green Ports

Ports, while being crucial to economic growth and regional connectivity, can also be catalysts for sustainable growth and innovation.[xxii] Green ports act as a catalyst for India’s blue economy by propelling sustainable development through the adoption of modern, eco-friendly infrastructure and technological innovation in ports.[xxiii] These practices further create a multiplier effect in attracting innovative investments and increasing employment for the coastal communities.[xxiv] Attractive investments attracted by green ports include green financing and blue bonds, which adhere to strict environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. These standards ensure rigorous third-party verification of funds and their exclusive use for environmentally friendly initiatives.[xxv]

The inclusion of green infrastructure offers more employment opportunities than traditional ports and has thus driven the need for upskilling and training. The ‘Harit Sagar’ guidelines include provisions for green ports to upskill local youth for specialised port-handling jobs.[xxvi] In this regard, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority’s ‘Multi Skill and Development Centre’ in Mumbai has provided training to more than 2000 local youth in maritime and logistics.[xxvii] Besides, green ports are creating sustainable career pathways in the maritime sector. For instance, Vadhvan Port Project Limited is offering educational courses in maritime catering[xxviii] to the locals in the Vadhvan region, empowering them to pursue careers as seafarers. In addition, ports are usually seen as workplaces that have a larger male labour force due to jobs requiring intensive labour. The increased digitalisation of many operations in green ports, including skillsets in AI and coding, now allows for an increased participation of the female labour force, promoting inclusive and equitable employment.

Green ports are also motivating overall renewable energy adoption across the hinterland areas. Increasing use of electric modes of transport at green ports helps increase the potential for trains and trucks plying between ports and hinterland to also adopt green alternatives. The further adoption of green fuels in multimodal logistics corridors, connecting the port to major cities, can also decarbonise supply chains.[xxix]

Image showing how India’s push for green ports boosts the blue economy
(Source: Image made by the author using Napkin AI)

The ‘Harit Sagar’ guidelines further mandate ports to adopt environmental frameworks such as Environmental Management Frameworks (EMF) and Environmental Performance Indicators (EPF) for their operations.[xxx] These frameworks compress data of emissions, energy consumption, air quality, waste discharge count, etc., into a more structured way for efficient analysis.[xxxi] This will enable ports to identify common challenges and implement specific mitigation measures.[xxxii] The periodic release of these frameworks can serve as feedback channels for stakeholders, such as coastal communities and others, to convey community concerns to port authorities.[xxxiii]

Image showing a sample Environment Performance Indicator

(Source: ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India)

Many Indian ports, especially in the Bay of Bengal, face exposure to natural hazards, such as cyclones, storm surges, and flooding, which damage their operations and the surrounding ecosystem.[xxxiv] Green ports in India have adopted more environmentally compatible designs in construction to further strengthen climate resilience from these climate risks. For instance, Paradip port has minimised the impact of cyclones and rising sea levels by utilising IoT sensors to facilitate real-time monitoring and subsequently creating green cover in the port perimeter.[xxxv] To further minimise air pollution and the emission of particulate matter from spreading beyond port areas, Paradip Port has installed net barriers around the entire port perimeter and mechanised the handling of goods, respectively.[xxxvi]

Green ports also reduce pressure on the marine environment by using sustainable methods like recharging groundwater, practising afforestation, and rainwater harvesting.[xxxvii] Through adopting locally sourced and sustainable materials like bamboo, timber, or recycled contents and using energy-efficient equipment like smart LED lighting, heating & cooling (HVAC) infrastructure, etc., they contribute to the sustainable development of the area.[xxxviii]

B.  Green Shipping

It is evident that the usage of green fuels in green shipping corridors reduces marine pollution, as green fuels mix better in water compared to traditional fuels and reduce potential oil spilling incidents.[xxxix] The increasing government attention in building an ecosystem for green vessels[xl] through modernising green corridor infrastructure and providing tax-based incentives is promoting a general shift to inland waterways. India’s push for green shipping thus involves efficient utilisation of inland waterways, aiming to boost connectivity to Tier II and III cities. Furthermore, these routes use digital navigation tools, improving safety and efficiency and providing a timely pathway for perishable goods and other vital trade.

Besides, in the IOR, there is an increasing demand for green shipping corridors. This potentially means new routes, partnerships, and thus new opportunities for international collaboration, technology sharing, and enhanced trade. India has also been collaborating with like-minded countries in the field of green shipping by signing MOUs with Denmark and Norway to increase the development of green fuels.[xli] India has also enhanced cooperation with Malta, the Netherlands, and Sri Lanka to develop green shipping corridors.[xlii] More importantly, India and Russia have decided to strengthen cooperation along the Northern Sea Route by using green fuels that would lower emissions in the Arctic region.[xliii]

Image showing facets of India’s Green Shipping that would strengthen net zero targets and help sustainable harnessing of Blue Economy
(Source: Image made by the author using Napkin AI)

Way Forward in Building a Sustainable Blue Economy across the IOR

There are many challenges for the development and proper implementation of green ports and shipping, including limited availability of infrastructure for green fuels, limited access to financing, and the high cost of adopting sustainable technologies. In IOR, many nations face similar constraints, and they are also vulnerable to climate risks, which hinder their ability to meet any environmental targets.

Green maritime transport, while making India’s blue economy more sustainable, can also promote a sustainable blue economy around the IOR. Many countries across the global south already carry massive blue economy potential, and if properly harnessed, it can drive their economic growth. It is thus imperative for nations in the IOR to engage in robust partnerships, including information and technology sharing, to leverage blue economy capacity for socio-economic growth. This would lead to information and technology sharing and greater financing opportunities.

India is expanding marine-based educational and technological courses to enhance marine research. For instance, collaborations between the Indian Maritime University (IMU) and the Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing Kancheepuram (IIITDM-K) are helping build capacity in the maritime sector.[xliv] Further, India can partner with academic institutions from different IOR countries to introduce marine-focused courses, building a skilled workforce to drive innovation and growth in the region.

With green fuels being produced at green ports, it is evident that the facilitation of green maritime transport strengthens overall linkages between green fuels, green ports, and green shipping.[xlv] Besides, it will lead to innovation amongst ship owners, fuel suppliers, and port operators and provide training in logistics, port management, and seafaring in the region. With India now chairing the IORA, it is a great opportunity to facilitate discussions on the development of green ports, shipping, and green fuels, contributing to building a sustainable blue economy across the IOR.

*****

*Zeeshan Ali, Research Intern, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal. 

References

[i]Surging blue economy, increasing conflict risks and mitigation strategies, U Rashid, Frontiers in Marine Science, May 14, 2025, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1499386/full

[ii] Blue Economy Definitions, World Bank, https://www.un.org/regularprocess/sites/www.un.org.regularprocess/files/rok_part_2.pdf

[iii] Impact of Climate Change on the Blue Economy of the Indian Ocean Region: Case Study of the Fisheries Sector, Anagha P, Vivekananda International Foundation, September 9, 2022, https://www.vifindia.org/print/10656?slide=%24slideshow%24#:~:text=Extreme%20weather%20events%20will%20also,be%20out%20of%20their%20capacities.

[iv] India’s Blue Economy, A Draft Policy Framework, Economic Advisory Council to the Prine Minister of India, September 2020, https://incois.gov.in/documents/Reports/Others/Report_2020_20251023100635.pdf

[v] India Aims to Target over 100 Billion “Blue Economy” Through Deep Ocean Mission and Ocean Resources – Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Earth Sciences, July 12, 2021, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1734881®=3&lang=2

[vi] Navigating India's blue economy landscape: Tapping the tide of innovation and transformation, KMPG India, July 2025, https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmgsites/in/pdf/2025/07/navigating-indias-blue-economy-landscape

[vii] Net zero emissions target, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, August 03, 2023, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1945472®=3&lang=2

[viii] India’s Maritime Decarbonization, Directorate General of Shipping, October 27, 2025,  https://betadgs.dgshipping.gov.in/download/1762776115_6911d433e9d6c_speaker-note-for-abb-decarbonization-event-dt271025.pdf

[ix] GREEN PORTS & SHIPPING CHARTERING SUSTAINABLE MARITIME FUTURE, ORGANISED BY: THE V. O. C. PORT AUTHORITY & BHARAT PRAVAH ONE, https://www.vocport.gov.in/api/files/news-media/newsletter/newsletter-1765534607960-336332823.pdf

[x] "Harit Sagar" Green Port Guidelines, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India,  May 11, 2023, https://shipmin.gov.in/sites/default/files/Harit%20Sagar%20-%20Green%20Port%20Guidelines%20.pdf

[xi] Ibid

[xii] India Maritime Week 2025 Showcases Green Growth, Port Modernisation, and Defence Shipbuilding Partnerships, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, October 28, 2025, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2183509®=3&lang=2#:~:text=Sonowal%20noted%20that%20India's,key%20driver%20of%20climate%20action.

[xiii] ARE BUNKERING TERMINALS KEEPING PACE WITH THE LOW-CARBON TRANSITION?, Marine and Offshore, February 13, 2024, https://marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com/magazine/are-bunkering-terminals-keeping-pace-low-carbon-transition#:

[xiv] Key considerations for establishing a green shipping corridor, DNV, March 25, 2024, https://www.dnv.com/expert-story/maritime-impact/key-considerations-for-establishing-a-green-shipping-corridor/#:~:text=A%20green%20shipping%20corridor%20is,participate%20in%20the%20corridor%20partnerships.

[xv] Montaser N.A. Ramadan, Mohammed A.H. Ali, Shin Yee Khoo, Mohammad Alkhedher, Mohammad Alherbawi, Real-time IoT-powered AI system for monitoring and forecasting of air pollution in industrial environment, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 283, 2024, ISSN 0147-6513, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116856.

[xvi] Green Shipping Corridors: Charting Zero-Emission Maritime Trade, Dr Shishir Shrotriya, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, August 04, 2024, https://ris.org.in/sites/default/files/Publication/PB-4-Dr-Shishir-Shrotriya_0.pdf

[xvii] Three Major Ports Recognised as Green Hydrogen Hubs under National Green Hydrogen Mission, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, October 10, 2025, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2177591®=3&lang=2#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20New%20and%20Renewable%20Energy,*%20**Paradip%20Port%20Authority**%20Located%20in%20Odisha

[xviii] GREEN PORTS & SHIPPING CHARTERING SUSTAINABLE MARITIME FUTURE, ORGANISED BY: THE V. O. C. PORT AUTHORITY & BHARAT PRAVAH ONE, https://www.vocport.gov.in/api/files/news-media/newsletter/newsletter-1765534607960-336332823.pdf

[xix] Ibid.

[xx] Ibid.

[xxi] Navigating India's blue economy landscape: Tapping the tide of innovation and transformation, KMPG India, July 2025, https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmgsites/in/pdf/2025/07/navigating-indias-blue-economy-landscape

[xxii] GREEN PORTS & SHIPPING CHARTERING SUSTAINABLE MARITIME FUTURE, ORGANISED BY: THE V. O. C. PORT AUTHORITY & BHARAT PRAVAH ONE, https://www.vocport.gov.in/api/files/news-media/newsletter/newsletter-1765534607960-336332823.pdf

[xxiii] Blue Economy Imperatives for Global South with reference to India, Swati Prabhu, Observer Research Foundation, October 2025, https://www.orfonline.org/public/uploads/upload/20251028200039.pdf#:~:text=Developing%20Sustainable%20Ports%20Incorporating%20green%20building%20principles%2C,minimising%20emissions%20from%20idling%20vessels%20and%20trucks.

[xxiv] The advantage in pushing for green ports is that it creates a multiplier effect on India’s blue economy, Girish Aggarwal, ET Government, November 17, 2024, https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/blog/green-ports-policy-push-tech-integration-infra-advancement-for-sustainable-operations/115376219

[xxv] Blue bonds: Sustainable financing for the Blue Economy around the Indian Ocean. Rogge, E. Jindal Global Law Review 16, 155–177 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41020-025-00263-5

[xxvi] ‘Harit Sagar" Green Port Guidelines, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India,  May 11, 2023, https://shipmin.gov.in/sites/default/files/Harit%20Sagar%20-%20Green%20Port%20Guidelines%20.pdf

[xxvii] TRAINING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, https://www.jnport.gov.in/page/training-and-skill-development/aDVGek9CVFEyYVp6MzIvMkdEVmJ0QT09

[xxviii] MoU Signed Between Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. and DVET, Maharashtra to Expand Skill Development in Vadhvan Region, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, October 10, 2025

[xxix] Blue Economy Imperatives for Global South with reference to India, Swati Prabhu, Observer Research Foundation, October 2025, https://www.orfonline.org/public/uploads/upload/20251028200039.pdf#:~:text=Developing%20Sustainable%20Ports%20Incorporating%20green%20building%20principles%2C,minimising%20emissions%20from%20idling%20vessels%20and%20trucks.

[xxx] Ibid.

[xxxi] Smart Green Ports: A Sustainable Solution for the Maritime Industry in a Changing Climate, Mohamed Elhussieny, Journal of Multidisciplinary Adaptive Climate Insights

(MACI), June 2025, http://dx.doi.org/10.21622/MACI.2025.02.1.1162

[xxxii] Environmental management of ports and harbours — implementation of policy through scientific monitoring, C Wooldridge, Marine Policy, July 30, 1999, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-597X(98)00055-4

[xxxiii] Smart Green Ports: A Sustainable Solution for the Maritime Industry in a Changing Climate, Mohamed Elhussieny, Journal of Multidisciplinary Adaptive Climate Insights

(MACI), June 2025, http://dx.doi.org/10.21622/MACI.2025.02.1.1162

[xxxiv] World Economic Forum, Nature Positive: Role of the Port Sector, Insight Report, January 2025,

World Economic Forum,

https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Nature_Positive_Role_of_the_Ports_Sector.pdf

[xxxv] GREEN PORTS & SHIPPING CHARTERING SUSTAINABLE MARITIME FUTURE, ORGANISED BY: THE V. O. C. PORT AUTHORITY & BHARAT PRAVAH ONE, https://www.vocport.gov.in/api/files/news-media/newsletter/newsletter-1765534607960-336332823.pdf

[xxxvi] Ibid

[xxxvii] India’s Green Maritime Odyssey, Agenda for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Press Information Bureau, December 15, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=156496&NoteId=156496&ModuleId=3®=6&lang=1

[xxxviii] ‘Harit Sagar" Green Port Guidelines, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India, May 11, 2023, https://shipmin.gov.in/sites/default/files/Harit%20Sagar%20-%20Green%20Port%20Guidelines%20.pdf

[xxxix] Chandra Prakash Garg, Vishal Kashav, Jasmine Siu Lee Lam, Evaluation of value creating factors in green shipping corridors, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Volume 145, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2025.104790.

[xl] Harit Nauka, Inland Vessels Green Transition Guidelines, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, https://shipmin.gov.in/sites/default/files/harit.pdf

[xli] India’s Green Maritime Odyssey, Agenda for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Press Information Bureau, December 15, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=156496&NoteId=156496&ModuleId=3®=6&lang=1

[xlii] Ibid.

[xliii] Ibid.

[xliv] Indian Maritime University and IIITDM – Kancheepuram sign MoU for Academic Collaboration, Press Information Bureau, Special Service and Features, July 29, 2024, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2038663®=3&lang=2

[xlv] Peričin L, Grbić L, Vučetić Š, Šundov M. Green Port Policy: Planning and Implementation of Environmental Projects—Case Study of the Port of Gaženica. Sustainability. 2025; 17(21):9557. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219557