India is on the verge of becoming a major player in the global green shipbuilding industry, with the government pushing forward with a strong emphasis on alternative fuels and renewable energy. This effort aligns with the nation’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and modernizing its maritime infrastructure to cater to the demands of an increasingly eco-conscious global shipping industry. According to industry experts, India has the potential to become a leading green shipbuilding hub by leveraging its strategic location, growing shipbuilding capacities, and favorable policy support from the government.
Government’s Strong Focus on Green Initiatives
India’s commitment to alternative fuels and renewable energy is at the core of its green shipbuilding ambition. The government has prioritized investment in biofuels, wind energy, and other sustainable resources to reduce the maritime industry’s carbon footprint. As global demand for environmentally friendly ships and hybrid vessels grows, India’s shipbuilding industry is positioning itself to cater to this emerging market. The country has already begun upgrading its existing shipyards and port infrastructure to support green shipping practices.
India is not just focusing on its own resources. The government has been fostering technology transfers and partnerships with Japanese and Korean shipyards, renowned for their cutting-edge shipbuilding technologies. These collaborations are expected to accelerate India’s capacity to produce modern, eco-friendly vessels while simultaneously helping establish shipbuilding and repair clusters across the country.
Global Demand for Green Shipping Assets
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated a phased reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of eliminating them by 2050. This has led to a surge in demand for green maritime assets worldwide. Traditional shipyards in Asia, such as those in Japan, South Korea, and China, are fully booked, leaving a gap in the market for new, competitive shipbuilding spaces. India’s entry into this space comes at an opportune time, providing an alternative for shipowners looking to invest in green ships and environmentally friendly maritime infrastructure.
Shipowners are increasingly seeking competitively priced yard space for the construction of new ships that comply with international decarbonization standards. Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, Pacific, and India Maritime at DNV—a Norway-based certification and technical advisory firm—stated that Indian shipyards are attracting attention for their potential to offer cost-effective solutions for green shipbuilding.
India’s Strategic Shipbuilding Goals
India’s ambition to become a leading shipbuilding nation is clearly defined. The government has set an ambitious goal to rank among the world’s top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and among the top five by 2047. To achieve this, the country is rapidly modernizing its shipyards and port infrastructure, with a particular focus on supporting green shipping technologies. Old dockyards are being assessed for reopening, and new capacities are being added to cater to the global demand for environmentally friendly vessels.
The country is also working on enhancing its coastal shipping sector, with an eye toward reducing carbon emissions. In 2023, DNV released a white paper titled Indian Coastal Green Shipping Programme, which analyzed India’s potential to create a sustainable future for its maritime industry. The report, commissioned by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Mumbai, provided recommendations on how India’s coastal shipping industry can reduce carbon emissions by leveraging alternative energy sources.
Collaboration with Global Organizations
India’s push toward green shipbuilding is further strengthened by partnerships with global organizations. DNV, for example, is playing a significant role in supporting India’s maritime decarbonization efforts. The company has signed an agreement with the Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation to modernize port infrastructure, ensuring that facilities are equipped to handle green ships and hybrid vessels.
This agreement is a major step forward in India’s journey toward greener maritime practices. The collaboration will also help create world-class facilities that support the transition to cleaner energy sources. According to Saenz de Santa Maria, this partnership underscores India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and positioning itself as a key player in the global maritime sector.
Upgrading Port Infrastructure for Green Shipping
Port infrastructure in India is also undergoing significant upgrades to accommodate green shipping fuels and hybrid vessels. The government has recognized the importance of developing long-term solutions for green shipping fuels, including biofuels, hydrogen, and wind power. These initiatives will ensure that India’s ports can support vessels operating on alternative energy sources and hybrid models, aligning with international green shipping standards.
While this is a long-term effort, the groundwork is being laid now to ensure India can meet global shipping demands and decarbonization targets. The country is steadily positioning itself to become a leading hub for green maritime operations by enhancing its ports’ ability to refuel and repair green ships.
India’s Growing Maritime Workforce and Expertise
India’s maritime sector is also seeing rapid growth in terms of workforce and expertise. DNV has significantly expanded its presence in India, growing its workforce from 350 employees to over 900 in just four years. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for maritime consulting, decarbonization services, and expertise in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
DNV’s expanded maritime advisory unit in India now offers a wide range of services, including safety, risk management, digitalization, and compliance support. This allows local clients to access DNV’s global pool of maritime consulting experts, positioning India’s maritime industry to tackle the challenges of the future.
In addition, DNV has established a global shared services center in Pune, focusing on HR, IT, and finance to support its growing operations in India. The company’s maritime offices in key cities such as Mumbai, Cochin, Vizag, Kandla, and Chennai are strategically placed to cater to the evolving needs of the Indian shipbuilding and repair sectors.
The Path to Achieving Net-Zero Goals
India’s shipbuilding industry is rapidly aligning with the global push for decarbonization, and the country is well-positioned to help achieve the maritime sector’s net-zero goals by 2050. With over 160 years of experience, DNV has established itself as a trusted partner to the maritime industry worldwide. The company’s expertise and partnerships with Indian shipyards and port authorities are expected to play a key role in India’s green shipping future.
Saenz de Santa Maria emphasized that India is emerging as one of DNV’s most stable markets, with considerable potential for growth in new maritime technologies that have yet to be deployed in the country. By continuing to invest in its shipbuilding capabilities and infrastructure, India is on track to become a global leader in green shipbuilding, supporting the country’s broader vision for 2047.
Conclusion: India’s Green Maritime Future
India’s ambition to become a global hub for green shipbuilding is not just a distant goal but a realistic and achievable target. With a combination of government support, strategic partnerships, and a growing maritime workforce, India is positioning itself to meet the rising global demand for eco-friendly ships and sustainable maritime solutions. By 2047, the country aims to be one of the top five shipbuilding nations in the world, contributing significantly to global decarbonization efforts and creating a sustainable future for the maritime industry.
Credit: The Economic Times
