India is fast-tracking a comprehensive shift towards a green and sustainable maritime ecosystem, aligning the rapid expansion of its ports and shipping sector with national climate commitments, energy-transition goals, and international maritime standards, according to official data released on Monday.
Ports handle nearly 95 per cent of India’s external trade by volume, and their capacity has expanded significantly over the past decade. Cargo handled at major ports rose from 581 million tonnes in FY 2014–15 to 855 million tonnes in FY 2024–25, registering a growth of over 47 per cent. While this expansion strengthens India’s trade competitiveness and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, it has also prompted a sharper focus on environmental sustainability and coastal ecosystem protection.
India’s maritime strategy is now closely aligned with its climate commitments under the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and global targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions from shipping by 40 per cent by 2030.
Stronger policy framework
The country’s green maritime push is anchored in a strengthened policy and legislative framework. The Indian Ports Act, 2025, has replaced the century-old Indian Ports Act, 1908, mandating cleaner and more sustainable port operations in line with global environmental norms and international conventions such as MARPOL and the Ballast Water Management Convention.
The Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 outlines 150 initiatives focused on renewable energy adoption, emission reduction, water and waste management, and safety systems. This is complemented by the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which envisages investments of nearly ₹80 lakh crore across ports, shipping, shipbuilding, inland waterways, and green shipping initiatives to position India among the world’s leading maritime powers by 2047.
Green port guidelines and renewable energy push
The Harit Sagar Green Ports Guidelines, issued in 2023, operationalise these ambitions by setting clear targets for emission reduction, renewable energy usage, electrification of port equipment, water conservation, and green cover expansion.
Several major ports have already made significant progress. New Mangalore Port has achieved 100 per cent solar power integration, while ports at Kandla, Visakhapatnam, Tuticorin, Cochin, Chennai, Paradip, Mormugao, Mumbai, JNPA, Haldia, and Kamarajar are scaling up solar and wind capacities. Mormugao Port has also become India’s first to introduce Green Ship Incentives through its ‘Harit Shrey’ programme, offering discounts on port charges based on ships’ environmental performance.
Cleaner operations and digital monitoring
Efforts are underway to electrify port equipment, expand LNG bunkering, install shore-to-ship power supply, and strengthen air quality management through dust suppression and LED lighting. Ports are also improving water efficiency, wastewater reuse, solid waste management, and sustainable dredging practices.
Safety and occupational health remain key priorities, with Zero Accident Safety Programmes being implemented across ports and a centralised digital dashboard being developed to monitor health, safety, and environmental indicators nationwide.
Major investments and global partnerships
Flagship initiatives such as the Sagarmala Programme, the Vadhavan greenfield port project in Maharashtra, the Green Tug Transition Programme, and the Harit Nauka initiative are driving the sector’s green transformation. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, ports at Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin are being developed as green hydrogen hubs, while the Shipping Corporation of India plans to retrofit vessels to operate on green methanol.
India has also strengthened global cooperation through green maritime partnerships with several countries, focusing on green shipping corridors, low-emission technologies, and sustainable port development.
With sweeping reforms, large-scale investments, and expanding international collaboration, India is positioning its maritime sector to support long-term economic growth while safeguarding marine ecosystems and meeting global climate commitments.
