The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is accelerating India’s shift toward cleaner maritime operations. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited research institutions and port authorities to review progress on zero-emission shipping corridors and green fuel infrastructure. The move signals the government’s intent to position Indian ports as ready hubs for environmentally sustainable shipping.
What is being done
The ministry is developing green shipping corridors in coordination with major Indian ports and research partners. Three port authorities—Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—are building Green Fuel Bunkering Hubs to supply alternative and green marine fuels to vessels. Kamarajar Port Limited has already installed shore power facilities at coal terminals, allowing docked ships to draw electricity from land-based infrastructure instead of running their engines, thereby cutting port emissions.
The National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping, housed at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in Gurugram, is supporting the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in advancing maritime decarbonisation efforts. The Rocky Mountain Institute is working on strategies to accelerate adoption of cleaner fuels and technologies across India’s shipping sector.
What this means for you
Indian ports will gradually transition to handling green fuels and alternative marine energy sources, which may lower operational costs and emissions from shipping linked to imports and exports passing through Indian harbours. If you work in shipping, logistics or port operations, your sector is moving toward stricter environmental standards and new infrastructure for cleaner fuels. For ordinary citizens, cleaner maritime operations can reduce air and water pollution near coastal areas where major ports operate.