India-EU Green Shipping Corridor Takes Shape

Why in News?

India and the European Union (EU) formally launched an industry coalition for the India–EU Green Shipping Corridor at the 3rd edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue (2026).
The event was organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
Objective: Accelerate adoption of low-emission maritime fuels, mobilise investment, and develop commercially viable green shipping routes.

Green Fuel Trade: Connects India's green fuel production potential with growing European demand, facilitating trade in green ammonia and green methanol.
Implementation Roadmap: Pre-feasibility study launched in 2025; industry coalition established in 2026 to mobilise private investment and government–industry partnerships.
Renewable Energy at Ports: Under Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines, 2023, India aims to increase renewable energy share in major ports' energy consumption to over 60% by 2030 and over 90% by 2047.
Green Maritime Transition: Diesel-powered harbour tugs replaced with green-powered vessels; Deendayal Port (Gujarat), Paradip Port (Odisha), and V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu) identified as green hydrogen hubs for production, storage, and bunkering of cleaner maritime fuels.
Maritime Resilience: Strengthen supply-chain resilience against geopolitical disruptions and climate risks; support a just and inclusive green transition.
Port Capacity Expansion: Under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, target annual port-handling capacity of 10 billion tonnes by 2047.
Cargo Growth: Major ports handled over 915 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025–26, up from 581 million tonnes in FY 2014–15.
National Waterways: Cargo movement increased from 18 million tonnes in FY 2013–14 to 218 million tonnes in FY 2025–26.

India's maritime sector is critical for trade, with ~95% of trade volume moved by sea.
The EU is a major trade partner and has ambitious decarbonisation targets (e.g., Fit for 55, FuelEU Maritime).
Green shipping corridors are routes where zero-emission fuels and infrastructure are deployed.

Energy Transition: Promotes green hydrogen/ammonia production and exports.
Investment: Mobilises private capital for ports and shipping.
Global Leadership: Positions India as a key player in sustainable maritime trade.
Employment: Green port jobs, shipbuilding, and fuel supply chains.

Article 246: Union List includes shipping and ports (Entry 27, 28).
Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Regulates shipping.
Major Port Authorities Act, 2021: Governance of major ports.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): Aims for 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030.