India Accelerates Green Maritime Transition with Renewable Energy, Clean Fuels and Modern Port Reforms

India is rapidly advancing its green maritime agenda as ports across the country adopt renewable energy, cleaner fuels and sustainable operational practices to balance economic growth with environmental protection and worker safety. Driven by rising global Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) standards and India’s obligations under Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), the shift marks a decisive move towards safer, cleaner and more resilient port operations.

With a vast coastline rich in mangroves, coral reefs, lagoons and marine biodiversity, Indian ports are under increasing pressure from trade expansion and infrastructure development. To address these challenges responsibly, the country has aligned its maritime policies with the International Maritime Organization’s framework and nine UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on renewable power adoption, improved air and water quality, enhanced waste management and expansion of green cover.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has outlined this transition through the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030, a comprehensive blueprint to modernise the sector while embedding sustainability at its core. The strategy identifies clean fuels such as green hydrogen, ammonia, biofuels and LNG as critical to the future of maritime transport, supported by India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Launched to reduce carbon emissions and position India as a global green hydrogen hub, the mission targets annual production of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. It is expected to attract investments of ₹8 lakh crore, generate six lakh jobs and cut fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore. As part of this initiative, Kandla, Paradip and V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin) ports have been identified for development as green hydrogen hubs.

The green maritime push is further reinforced by long-term policy roadmaps. Under Maritime India Vision 2030, investments of ₹3–3.5 lakh crore are projected across ports, shipping and inland waterways, supported by a recent ₹69,725 crore package to revitalise shipbuilding. Complementing this is the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which earmarks nearly ₹80 lakh crore for ports, green shipping, coastal shipping, inland waterways and shipbuilding, with over 300 actionable initiatives aimed at making India a leading maritime nation by its centenary year of independence.

To operationalise sustainability goals, the government has rolled out several green port initiatives. Ports are being encouraged to develop captive solar power through rooftop installations, unused land and floating solar projects on calm waters. Wind energy adoption is being expanded through onshore and offshore projects, including exploration of offshore wind potential near Okha and the southern peninsula, alongside tidal, wave and solar thermal energy pilots.

Flagship programmes such as the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines, National Green Hydrogen Mission and the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) are reshaping port operations. The ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund aims to catalyse investments in green infrastructure, alternative fuels and fleet modernisation. Under the GTTP, conventional harbour tugs will be replaced with greener alternatives, supported by 30 per cent government funding and aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’, announced in May 2024, outlines five major actions, including procurement of green tugs by major ports, development of green hydrogen hubs, creation of a single-window portal for cruise facilitation, and transformation of select ports into smart ports. Complementary initiatives such as the Harit Nauka (Green Vessel) guidelines for inland waterways and the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor—starting with the Kandla–Tuticorin route—are further strengthening low-emission maritime transport.

Ports are also focusing on emission reduction through cleaner fuels, shore-to-ship power, electrification of material-handling equipment and LNG bunkering. The government has set a target for 50 per cent of port vehicles to switch to cleaner fuels by 2030. Green belts are being expanded to control air and noise pollution, enhance biodiversity and improve coastal resilience, in line with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s mandate for 33 per cent green coverage.

A major legislative push comes with the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, which replaces the century-old framework with a modern law mandating global green norms and disaster readiness. The reform follows a decade of strong sector growth, with cargo handling at major ports reaching a record 855 million tonnes in FY 2024–25, port capacity rising nearly 87 per cent, and ship turnaround times halving to 48 hours. Indian ports have also gained international recognition, with nine featuring in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index.

On the global stage, India is strengthening partnerships and dialogues to advance sustainable maritime growth. Platforms such as Sagarmanthan and the Green & Digital Maritime Corridors Dialogue at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority have brought together global stakeholders to shape the future of green shipping. Bilateral initiatives, including the India–Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, aim to accelerate low-emission technologies and digital transformation.

India is also enhancing marine pollution control through robust oil-spill response planning, satellite-based monitoring, oil-sensitivity mapping and prioritisation of ecologically sensitive coastal areas.

As India charts its course towards 2047, the maritime sector is emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Through integrated policy reforms, green technologies and global cooperation, the country is positioning itself not only as a growing maritime power but also as a responsible steward of the oceans and a leader in sustainable shipping.