Govt to offer 30% financial support for green shipping

Mint had reported on 12 May about the government’s plan to support green shipping through an incentive scheme.

During the ministry’s second Chintan Shibir (brainstorming session) held in Munnar, Kerala, Sonowal outlined the importance of embracing environmentally friendly approaches and digital transformation in port operations. He listed five major initiatives including financial support for green shipping promotion.

Sonowal emphasized that these initiatives will not only elevate India’s position as a global leader in the maritime industry but also facilitate sustainable development. The goal is to achieve a transportation system that is effective, efficient and environmentally conscious, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As part of the Green Tug Transition Programme, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, VO Chidambaranar Port, Paradip Port, and Deendayal Port, Kandla, will procure two tugs each. In addition, Deendayal Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin, are set to be developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs, promoting the use of clean energy sources.

The introduction of a single window portal will streamline and monitor river and sea cruises, facilitating seamless operations and oversight. Additionally, Jawaharlal Nehru Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin, are slated to transform into smart ports by next year, leveraging digital technologies for enhanced efficiency and management.

Sonowal said, “It is a moment of satisfaction as we have been able to put together these five action areas during this ongoing ‘Chintan Shibir’ with a clear focus to promote green shipping and brining efficiency via digitisation of port operations. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ministry remains steadfast in its endeavour to become a global leader in the maritime sector.“

“The initiatives announced will not only further this objective but also help us bring in more sustainable development in the maritime sector. By bringing in the sustainable element in a robust manner, we are aiming at achieving a transformational transportation which is effective, efficient and energetic - a vision of PM Modi ji. I am hopeful that the reflections from this Chintan Shiver will help create the roadmap to put India at the top echelon of global maritime leaders," he added.

The minister further said that he would review the progress with respect to these targets in a mid-year Chintan after a few months and mentioned strict action may be taken in-case of any delay in completion of the project.

During the session, Shripad Y Naik, MoS, MoPSW mentioned, ‘the port modernisation projects under Sagarmala Programme of MoPSW have improved the efficiency of the ports significantly’. It is to be noted that in last 8 years under the Sagarmala Programme, 90 port modernisation projects have been completed.

Shantanu Thakur, MoS, MoPSW said, ‘Indian shipping sector and opportunities in Ports waterways sector has been strengthened in last nine years’.

According to the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, the implementation of various initiatives to promote coastal shipping in conjunction with development of coastal berths infrastructure under Sagarmala programme has led to a significant rise in the cargo movement by coastal shipping.

“The cargo handled by coastal shipping has grown to 151 MMTPA in 2022-23 which was 74 MMTPA in 2014-15. Also, a consistent growth has been seen in cargo handling via IWT , it was only 30 MTPA in 2014 which has now grown to 126 MTPA in 2022-23," he added.