Co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and the Asian development Bank, the event saw India taking a decisive step towards a green future as experts, industry leaders and government officials assembled to discuss strategies to decarbonise ports, shipping and inland waterways.
The event reinforced the county's vision of net zero emissions by 2030, with a clear focus on innovative fuel solutions and infrastructure upgrades.
The conference was marked by key speeches from TK Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways as well as Mio Oka, country director for India at the Asian development Bank. Both leaders reiterated India's resolve to transform its maritime sector in step with its ambitious net zero targets, supported by ADB's financial and technical assistance.
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Central to the discussions were the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the transition to green port infrastructure, the use of zero carbon fuels and electrification of inland waterways.
At a special session focused on green ports, Ajay Kumar Singh of DNV Maritime Advisory, India discussed energy efficient intelligent port systems while Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority Deputy Director, Lawrence Ong, shared insights into Singapore's decarbonisation efforts. Additional sessions covered the potential of zero carbon fuels such as green hydrogen and ammonia with experts like Captain Prashant C Widge of Maersk Line highlighting the global shift towards greener shipping operations.
Inland waterways were identified as a key area for carbon reduction, with R Lakshmanan of the Ministry of Ports and PG Shaji of Kochi Water Metro showcasing India's progress in clean water-based transport. Lakshmanan stressed on the potential of alternative fuels and called for continued collaboration across sectors to drive progress in de-carbonisation.
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