INDIAN GREEN MARITIME DAY

1. Context

RMI, NCOEGPS and LR are pleased to partner with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to support the Green Maritime Day during India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for 28 October 2025 from 10.00 AM to 06.00 PM IST at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai. The Green Maritime Day aims to facilitate in-depth discussions on key topics related to the future of sustainable maritime operations, including the development of green shipping corridors, the establishment of export fuel and bunkering hubs, the deployment of zero-emission trucks, maritime pollution and the integration of shore power solutions.
In collaboration with MoPSW, We intend to bring together leading industry experts, national and international policy representatives, and stakeholders from the maritime, energy, and transportation sectors. This platform will provide a unique opportunity for thought leaders to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative efforts towards decarbonizing the maritime industry. We look forward to a constructive dialogue that will help shape the trajectory of green shipping in India and globally.

Session 1 – Leveraging India’s strategic advantage to capitalise on green shipping corridor opportunities

Shipping plays a vital role in global trade but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims for net zero emissions by 2050, prompting the establishment of over 60 green shipping corridors worldwide. India, with its extensive coastline and renewable energy potential, is poised to lead this transition. Discussions on collaborative models, infrastructure investment, and policy frameworks are essential. This session aims to explore how to develop sustainable shipping corridors.

• Discuss India’s strengths and opportunities that enable the development of green shipping corridors.
• Reflect on the technological and infrastructural readiness and explore initiatives for enhanced collaboration across the maritime value chain.
• Discuss action items for India to champion the development of international and coastal green corridors.

Session 2 – Empowering Indian Ports to Emerge as Hubs for Green Fuel Bunkering and Exports

Ports globally are accelerating efforts to establish green fuel bunkering hubs in response to the growing demand for zero-emission fuels in the maritime sector. Green ammonia and methanol are emerging as alternatives to traditional fuels, with investments in port infrastructure playing a crucial role in determining competitive advantage. India, strategically located along major shipping routes and supported by an enabling policy framework, has the opportunity to lead in this transition. This session will focus on discussing barriers, lessons from global leaders, and collaboration opportunities to position Indian ports as trusted green fuel hubs.

• Discuss key barriers and highlight India’s strengths in developing multi-fuel bunkering and export infrastructure
• Draw lessons from global port leaders on green fuel bunkering and exports
• Elaborate on opportunities for collaboration between Indian and global port ecosystems

Session 3 [A] – Accelerating adoption of Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs) at Ports

The “Harit Sagar - Green Port Guidelines” issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways aim to position Indian ports as sustainable economic hubs. The guidelines include targets for vehicle electrification at major ports, aiming for 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2047. Electric Trucks (E-Trucks) are a key component for reducing emissions and operational costs. Several initiatives are underway, such as funding under the PM E-DRIVE scheme and incentives from the Indian Ports Association. Despite progress, large-scale adoption remains limited. This session will explore strategies, challenges, and solutions to accelerate E-truck deployment at Indian ports.

• Learn actions and strategies adopted by leading international ports for E-truck adoption
• Understand key challenges and insights from E-truck deployment at Indian ports
• Identify actionable steps and solutions to accelerate E-truck adoption across Indian ports.

Session 3 [B] – Tackling Marine and Port Pollution: Strategies for a Cleaner Maritime Sector

Pollution across the maritime sector — spanning ships, ports, and inland waterways — poses significant risks to ecosystems, public health, and operational efficiency. Air emissions from vessels, oil spills, ballast water discharge, and port waste streams continue to challenge India’s maritime growth trajectory. At the same time, opportunities exist to integrate advanced monitoring technologies, pollution-control systems, and nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration and coastal green cover to mitigate impacts. This session aims to explore how India can leverage innovation, regulation, and nature-based approaches to strengthen pollution control measures across the maritime sector.

• Discuss the sources and impacts of pollution across ports, ships, and inland waterways.
• Explore the role of technologies such as ballast water treatment, scrubbers, IoT sensors, and spill response systems.
• Discuss the integration of green infrastructure and coastal ecosystems (mangroves, wetlands, blue carbon sinks) into pollution control strategies.
• Identify collaborative pathways for India to advance comprehensive maritime pollution management.

Session 4 – Enabling shore power development for Indian ports

Ports worldwide are adopting shore-to-ship power to reduce vessel emissions and improve their IMO CII performance ratings by allowing vessels to connect to land-based electricity while docked, thus eliminating the need for auxiliary engines. However, only 3% of ports globally have implemented this system due to high infrastructure costs, technical limitations, and a lack of standardization. India aims to achieve full shore power usage by 2035, with standards set for 2025. This session will explore challenges and opportunities for scaling shore power in India, with insights from global best practices to accelerate its adoption and advance the green shipping ecosystem.

• Discuss the potential and necessity of shore power in advancing India’s green shipping ecosystem.
• Identify the challenges in adopting shore power at Indian ports.
• Reflect on global best practices to help achieve India's shore-to-ship power ambitions.