India's Maritime Green Shift: Pioneering Energy Transition and Pollution Control

India’s maritime sector, spanning over 7,500 km of coastline and handling nearly 95 per cent of trade by volume, is the backbone of the nation’s economic and global trade connectivity. However, this growth carries a significant environmental footprint, contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste discharge, and marine pollution. With global shipping accounting for nearly 3 per cent of total GHG emissions, India’s share is projected to rise alongside increasing port traffic. Without strategic intervention, maritime emissions could climb by up to 250 per cent by 2050, intensifying climate threats such as sea-level rise and biodiversity loss.

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Recognizing this, India is steering towards a greener maritime future through the “India’s Maritime Green Shift” initiative, led by the NAVIC Cell under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. This report underscores the urgent need for sustainable port operations, cleaner fuels, and inclusive transition pathways. By highlighting policy interventions, technological innovation, and financing mechanisms, it provides a roadmap for driving India’s maritime sector toward a resilient, low-carbon, and globally competitive future.