Why in news
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reiterated commitment to decarbonising maritime trade routes through zero-emission shipping corridors.
- Major Indian ports are being directed to fast-track infrastructure readiness for alternative fuels, green fuel bunkering hubs, and shore power supply.
What are Green Shipping Corridors?
- Zero-emission maritime trade routes between major ports where low- or zero-carbon fuel infrastructure and green vessel operations are deployed.
- Supported by international maritime commitments under the **IMO (International Maritime Organization)** strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Infrastructure Components
- Installation of shore power supply facilities allowing docked vessels to turn off onboard diesel generators.
- Development of green fuel bunkering infrastructure for alternative fuels such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, and methanol.
Why it matters
- Positions Indian ports to align with global maritime decarbonisation benchmarks and prevents carbon border penalties.
- Promotes sustainable coastal shipping and supports National Green Hydrogen Mission integration with maritime logistics.
Key terms
Shore Power
Provision of shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth, allowing its auxiliary engines to be shut down.
Green Bunkering
Refueling infrastructure supplying zero- or low-carbon fuels like green ammonia or hydrogen to commercial shipping.
Prelims facts
- Shore power allows docked ships to connect to mainland power grids, eliminating berth emissions.
- Green shipping corridors utilize zero-emission fuels like green hydrogen and green ammonia.
Mains discussion
- Role of maritime sector decarbonisation in achieving India's Net Zero commitments by 2070.
Source: Economic Times Industry
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2026 · Q50 · General Studies · 2 marks
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2018 · Q16 · GS I · 15 marks
What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. -
2026 · Q24 · General Studies · 2 marks
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2026 · Q35 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India: I. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost- effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure. II. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings. III. Sagarmala 2.0 aims to position India as a global maritime innovation hub aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct? 1. Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies envisioned in statement I. 2. Statement III extends the objectives of statement I by embedding them into a future- oriented innovation framework. 3. Statement I contradicts statement III by focusing only on traditional infrastructure instead of modern innovation. Select the answer using the code given below: