Development Of Green Ports And Maritime Infrastructure

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MPSW) has undertaken a range of measures to decarbonise port operations under Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030). Initiatives include the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) to replace diesel-powered tugs with electric and hybrid tugs, adoption of renewable energy, electrification of port equipment, vehicles and railway tracks, deployment of zero-emission trucks and installation of Onshore Power Supply systems (OPS). The approach aims to lower emissions while modernising infrastructure.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has recognised three Major Ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs: Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat, Paradip Port Authority in Odisha and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tamil Nadu. Major Ports remain under central administrative control while other ports are managed by state governments and fall under state jurisdiction. Coordination between central and state authorities is being emphasised to ensure consistent adoption of green measures.

Around 180 projects were approved for Major Ports development during FY 2023-24 to FY 2024-25 covering port modernisation, coastal shipping and green port initiatives. MIV 2030 sets performance targets for the port sector by 2030, including a more than 60 per cent share of renewable energy consumption at ports, electrification of 50 per cent of port equipment and allocation of 20 per cent of area as green belt. The plan also targets a 30 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per tonne (t) of cargo and a 20 per cent reduction in fresh-water consumption per tonne of cargo.

The minister provided the information in a written reply to the Lok Sabha and outlined that these targets are intended to improve energy efficiency and support India's broader climate objectives. Implementation is expected to combine infrastructure investment, policy measures and port level adoption of renewable technologies to meet the MIV 2030 benchmarks. Progress will be tracked through the ministry's monitoring mechanisms.

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