Three ports identified for green hydrogen-hubs, says Sonowal
India aims to become a ‘Global Hub for Green Ship’ building by 2030 with launch of Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) in Gurugram on 22 Mar 2023, announced Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda SonowaI.
Inaugurating India’s first National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS), he said the programme will start with ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’, which will be powered by Green Hybrid Propulsion systems, and subsequently adopting non-fossil fuel solutions like (Methanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen).
The Minister said target has been set for the initial Green Tugs to start working in all major ports by 2025. At least, 50% of all the Tugs are likely to be converted into Green Tugs by 2030, which will considerably reduce emission as the country move towards achieving sustainable development.
The ministry has already identified Paradip Port, Deendayal Port and V.O. Chidambaram Port to developed as Hydrogen Hubs – capable of handling, storing and generation of green hydrogen by 2030.
With the development of these infrastructure, India will be able to export Green Hydrogen, produced in the country using renewable sources, with the support of NCoEGPS in technology and market leadership.
Sonowal said as India took the presidency of G20, it gives him immense pleasure to announce these initiatives as a major endeavour of the government towards a cleaner, greener environment.
“We have been working towards strengthening our efforts towards building self-reliance in Green Ship Building as well as installation of green solutions in all possible areas under the Ministry’s purview,” he said.
“We hope to become the global hub of Green Ship Building by 2030 as we witness tremendous business potential and yet remain completely dedicated towards building a greener world.”
The Centre is aimed at playing a crucial role towards achievement of UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14) to sustainably manage and protect marine & coastal ecosystems from pollution, conservation and sustainable use of ocean-based resources.
The Centre will engage in developing the regulatory framework and alternative technology adoption roadmap for green shipping in India.
The centre-housed within the TERI complex in Gurugram – will work towards meeting the obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Further, the PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multi Modal Connectivity along with the Green Ports initiative has already accelerated the development of green logistics supply chain in the country, Sonowal pointed out.
The ports have also aimed to reduce Carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled by 30% by 2030.
The Maritime Vision Document 2030 is a 10-year blueprint on India’s vision of a sustainable Maritime sector and vibrant blue economy.
India has been selected as the first country under the IMO Green Voyage 2050 project to conduct a pilot project related to Green Shipping. fiinews.com
