India sets an ambitious course toward environmental sustainability, aiming to convert all coastal and inland waterway vessels to renewable energy sources within the next five years. TK Ramachandran, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, unveiled this visionary plan during his address at FICCI’s Green Shipping & Ports Conclave 2024.
Speaking at the conclave, the Secretary emphasised the urgent need for the maritime sector to embrace sustainability. Whatever we say, whatever we do, we are always talking about green, and green is also part of the ‘Panchamrit’ commitments which the honourable PM has been talking about,” he stated. In five years, it is doable,” Ramachandran asserted regarding his ministry’s renewable targets. “If not in international shipping, at least coastal and river inland waterways that are under our control, we are working at making that completely green.”
The government has identified three strategic hydrogen hubs at Kandla, Thoothukudi, and Paradip to spearhead green hydrogen production. Ramachandran revealed that a pilot ecosystem is being developed at Thoothukudi, where 400 acres have been allocated for companies to set up electrolysers. Funds have also been approved to convert some vessels to run on methanol at the Shipping Corporation of India. The Secretary invited companies to engage with hydrogen projects at Thoothukudi and share fresh insights to help frame policies.
