Advancing India’s Maritime Decarbonisation Agenda
The Green Shipping Conclave (GSC) is a national platform led by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) (IME(I)), to deliberate on India’s pathway towards a sustainable and low-carbon maritime sector.
The Conclave brings together policymakers, regulators, shipowners, shipyards, technology providers, financial institutions, academia and international organisations to develop actionable strategies for maritime decarbonisation, aligned with India’s national priorities and global climate commitments.
Green Shipping Conclave 2025
Green Shipping Conclave 2025
The second edition of the Green Shipping Conclave was held on 20 February 2025 at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake.
Building upon the deliberations of the DGS-INMARCO Green Shipping Conclave 2022, GSC-2025 focused on advancing India’s efforts to:
- Achieve 5% uptake of alternative fuels by 2030
- Establish a trajectory towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
- Strengthen India’s leadership in sustainable maritime practices
The Conclave provided a structured forum for cross-sectoral dialogue and strategic alignment across government, industry and international stakeholders.
Dignitaries and Distinguished Participants
The Green Shipping Conclave 2025 was graced by eminent national and international dignitaries, reflecting the high-level commitment towards maritime decarbonisation.
Distinguished participants included:
- Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
- Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- Shri T. K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
- Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
- Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping
- Dr. (Mrs.) Malini V Shankar, IAS, Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University
Senior officials from the Government of India, representatives from global maritime organisations, industry leaders, classification societies, financial institutions and academia also participated in the Conclave.
The presence of senior policymakers and international leadership underscored the strategic importance of the Conclave in shaping India’s green maritime transition.
Objectives of the Conclave
The Green Shipping Conclave is structured to assist in shaping India’s strategic position and action plan on:
- Decarbonisation targets for domestic shipping, including vessel-type specific pathways
- Identification and adoption of suitable alternative fuels and technologies
- Development of India as a bunkering hub for green maritime fuels
- Promotion of green ship construction and retrofitting under the “Make in India” initiative
- Policy measures, financial incentives and institutional mechanisms to support transition
- Development of Green Ports, Shore Power supply and Green Corridors
- India’s engagement at the IMO on GHG ambition, intermediate reduction targets and related measures
Thematic Areas of Deliberation
1. Green Fuels for Maritime India
Assessment of availability, timelines, production capacity and cost of alternative fuels such as green hydrogen, methanol and biofuels, including India’s potential as a regional and global bunkering hub.
2. Green Ships and Technologies
Evaluation of retrofit and new-build solutions for various vessel segments including tugs, barges, passenger vessels and offshore vessels, with emphasis on cost-effectiveness and time-bound implementation.
3. Green Ports, Shore Power and Green Corridors
Exploration of port-led decarbonisation through Just-in-Time (JIT) operations, shore power supply, energy-efficient harbour crafts and development of Green Corridors through international cooperation.
4. Green Recycling
Advancing environmentally sound ship recycling practices in alignment with global regulatory requirements and circular economy principles, including infrastructure upgradation and improved worker safety.
5. Green Finance
Identification of viable financial models and risk mitigation strategies to address high capital expenditure, fragmented ownership and technological uncertainty associated with the green transition.
6. International Cooperation
Strengthening collaboration through international partnerships to accelerate zero-emission shipping technologies and shared climate action.
7. CEO Forum
Industry perspectives on operational efficiency of ageing fleets, green retrofits and skill development of seafarers to adapt to emerging technologies and alternative fuels.
8. Policy Makers’ Forum
High-level discussions on policy frameworks supporting sustainable maritime growth, aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
9. Technical Paper and Students’ Forums
Dedicated platforms for professionals, researchers and students to present innovative research and solutions in green shipping and sustainable maritime development.
Strategic Outcomes
- Advancement of the National Green Shipping Policy (NGSP)
- Development of the Future Fuel Strategy for Maritime India
- Strengthening institutional mechanisms including the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT)
- Enhancing alignment between regulators, industry and international stakeholders
Significance
The Green Shipping Conclave reflects India’s commitment to ensuring that maritime growth is aligned with environmental sustainability. It provides a structured and consultative forum to translate policy intent into implementable pathways, reinforcing India’s position as a responsible maritime nation in the global transition towards cleaner shipping.
