India is one of seven countries taking part in the "Maritime Fuel Supply Dialogues," which aim to help the decarbonisation of the marine sector in the Asia-Pacific and African regions by promoting the development of clean fuel supplies. The LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub established the "Maritime Fuel Supply Dialogues," which seek to develop a robust blue economy and explore the possibilities for clean and sustainable marine fuels. The initiative's main goal is to help marine decarbonisation throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans by driving the establishment of regional fuel supplies at scale. The UN Global Compact's Ocean Stewardship Coalition and the LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub organised a roundtable discussion recently to introduce the idea to the transport and energy ministries of Asia Pacific and Africa. By fostering dialogue and collaboration across all stakeholders, the "Dialogues" aim to create synergies that deliver wider benefits. This holistic approach will unlock new economic and environmental opportunities, propelling the maritime industry towards a sustainable future.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation, emphasised the significant opportunities available for countries to develop and expand hydrogen-based maritime fuel production infrastructure. He remarked that the roundtable represented the collective efforts required by both the energy and transport sectors to attain shared objectives. Dominguez expressed his commitment to supporting the shipping industry's transition to net-zero emissions. He highlighted the importance of adopting a proactive approach and embracing the opportunities arising from this transition, including the consideration of new fuels and propulsion methods.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, India; the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs; Kenya; the Ministry of Mines and Energy; Namibia; the Ministry of Works and Transport; Oman; the Maritime Industry Authority; the Department of Transportation; the Philippines; the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries; the Republic of Korea; and the Ministry of Transport, Singapore, attended the first roundtable meeting of the 'Maritime Fuel Supply Dialogues'.

Participating ministries noted at the inaugural "Dialogues" conference that there is a great need and possibility for regional cooperation in which ports and nations serve as different but complementary centres for bunkering, fuel exporters, and regional demand centres throughout the transition.

According to a statement, the region's rising need for clean fuels and significant hydrogen production prospects will present an opportunity to create mutually advantageous supply chains and generate economies of scale across borders and industries. The ministries involved aimed to ensure that the growing demand for hydrogen-based fuels across various sectors, especially with the expansion of green corridors and clusters in the region, is bolstered by global regulatory and industry signals.

This was particularly important for the emerging maritime demand centres and unexplored market opportunities. Other marine demand hubs and nations that produce energy and fuel in the Asia Pacific and Africa areas will be present at the September gathering. Along the marine value chain, it will also expand engagement to include other ministries and departments, energy and fuel producers and suppliers, financial institutions, important stakeholders, and consortia.