India’s major ports are rapidly advancing decarbonization and green energy adoption through a series of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions,
India’s major ports are rapidly advancing decarbonization and green energy adoption through a series of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and building a sustainable maritime ecosystem.
According to a statement released by the Indian government, the initiatives fall under the broader frameworks of Maritime India Vision 2030 and the ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines, implemented by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in coordination with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Green port modernization initiatives
Major ports have undertaken wide-ranging sustainability measures, including:
- Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), replacing diesel tugs with electric and hybrid alternatives
- Increased adoption of renewable energy at port facilities
- Electrification of port equipment, railway tracks, and vehicles
- Deployment of zero-emission trucks
- Installation of Onshore Power Supply systems to reduce emissions from docked vessels
These measures have already contributed to a measurable reduction in carbon intensity across major ports.
Under the GTTP, four ports (Deendayal Port Authority, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority) have placed work orders for electric tugs.
Green hydrogen hub development
In support of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, the MNRE has designated three major ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs:
- Deendayal Port Authority (Gujarat)
- Paradip Port Authority (Odisha)
- V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (Tamil Nadu)
Key developments at designated hubs:
Deendayal Port Authority
- Commissioned 1 MW electrolyser-based green hydrogen plant
- Achieved Port Readiness Level 6 (progressing to 7) for bio-methanol bunkering
- Allocated 3,400 acres for green hydrogen and green ammonia projects
- Developed a 3.5 MTPA jetty compatible with green ammonia handling
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority
- Allocated 205.72 acres for green hydrogen and ammonia projects
- Commissioned a 10 Nm³ pilot green hydrogen plant (April 2025)
- Developing green methanol bunkering facility (2 × 750 m³ capacity)
Paradip Port Authority
- Approved development of a green hydrogen/green ammonia handling jetty under PPP mode
- Project cost: ₹797.17 crore
- Cargo handling capacity: 4 million tons per annum
Shore power and recycling incentives
All major ports have also introduced shore power systems for smaller vessels, reducing fuel consumption while docked.
In addition, under the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, incentives worth ₹53.39 crore have been provided to 109 ship recycling yards through the Ferrous Scrap Development Fund (FSDF), up to 2026.
National investment and project pipeline
Approximately 180 projects have been approved over the last two fiscal years (FY 2023–24 to FY 2024–25) across major ports. These include port modernisation, coastal shipping enhancements, and green port initiatives.
Ports outside the major port system remain under state government jurisdiction and are managed independently.
Maritime India Vision 2030: Green targets
India has set ambitious decarbonisation and efficiency targets for its port sector by 2030:
| Indicator | Target |
|---|---|
| Renewable energy share at ports | >60% |
| Electrification of port equipment | 50% |
| Green belt coverage | 20% |
| CO₂ reduction per ton of cargo | 30% |
| Freshwater use reduction per ton of cargo | 20% |
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