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India has started exporting ‘green ships’ to traditional shipbuilding nations such as Norway, Germany, and the US. This move is in line with the country's ambition to become a global shipping hub. The shift has come at a time when there is a growing international focus on the environmental impact of the shipping industry.
Environmental Focus on Shipping Industry
While ships are responsible for ferrying the majority of goods worldwide, they are also responsible for emitting a significant amount of greenhouse gases. This issue has become critical since the global energy crisis caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, which has sparked renewed interest in building ‘green ships’. These vessels typically run on less polluting fuels such as methanol, electricity, green hydrogen, and hybrid batteries.
Cochin Shipyards Deliver Two Electric Cargo Ferries to Norway
State-run Cochin Shipyards Ltd (CSL) recently delivered two fully electric cargo ferries to Norway. Many more orders are in the pipeline. The development marks a surprise reversal of India's earlier strategy of looking at sourcing green vessels from Europe and the US. CSL has also bagged contracts for building two vessels from European clients that will be fuelled by methanol.
Contract for Green Hydrogen-Powered Container Vessels
In addition, the shipyard has signed contracts with Norwegian clients to build two container vessels fuelled by green hydrogen. Another contract for supplying eight ‘eco-freighters’ to HS Schiffahrts Group, Germany, marks CSL’s entry into the so-called short-sea shipping market, consisting of European ports.
Private Sector Supports Domestic Maritime Manufacturing
The private sector is also contributing to strengthening domestic maritime manufacturing. Goa-based Chowgule and Co have secured contracts for building eight electric hybrid cargo vessels from European clients. India is working on a unique plan to run ships entirely on green energy. Shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal said in a recent interview that more such orders are expected to be placed by European clients with Indian shipyards.
The minister also said that Norway and India would cooperate on developing infrastructure for the manufacture of green passenger and cargo vessels, which would be used for both the domestic and global markets. Several Indian ship design and technology firms are also actively working towards delivering green ship solutions.
With new initiatives, Indian ports will have a globally visible green profile, and the country's shipyards can aspire to be a green tug-building hub for the world. With the National Centre of Excellence in Green Ports and Shipping acting as a nodal entity for the industry, all such efforts will gain momentum, and India can position itself as a 'Global hub for building green ships.'
Funds for Technologically Advanced Green Ships
The center is providing funds through the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFA) to Indian shipyards to make India a sought-after destination for technologically advanced green ships.
According to Maritime India Vision – 2030, a clear roadmap has been provided for bringing an all-around improvement in areas such as port modernization and automation, coastal shipping, shipbuilding, ship repair, transition to renewable energy, increasing the share of Indian seafarers globally, improving vessel turnaround time, developing transshipment hubs, cruise shipping, and augmenting capacities at the major ports.