India aims to become global hub of green ship building by 2030

India's Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced that the country aims to become the global hub for Green Ship Building by 2030. The government has set a target for the initial Green Tugs to begin operating in all Major Ports by 2025. These 'Green Hybrid Tugs' will feature Green Hybrid Propulsion systems, with plans to eventually adopt non-fossil fuel solutions such as Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen. By 2030, at least 50% of all Tugs are expected to be converted into Green Tugs, which will significantly reduce emissions and contribute towards achieving sustainable development.

To support the industry's transition towards green shipping, the National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS) will be established as the nodal entity. The NCoEGPS will undertake ten projects, including developing a regulatory framework for the usage of wind energy for marine applications and identifying a suitable biofuel for blending with conventional marine fuels. It will also work towards identifying fuel cell technology for long haul shipping, as well as developing a regulatory framework for the transportation of hydrogen up to 700 bar pressure. Additionally, the NCoEGPS will prepare detailed project reports on low-energy consumption ports and an offshore platform for tapping solar energy, as well as the production, storage and usage of green hydrogen.