Green Ports & Shipping Conference : Chartering sustainable maritime future

TUTICORIN : Ministers of Shipping, dignatories Industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and environmental advocates converged this week at the Green Ports & Shipping Conference, an influential summit focused on steering the global maritime industry toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Held at Tuticorin, on 1st August, the event brought together stakeholders from across the shipping and port logistics sectors to address urgent climate challenges and explore actionable solutions for decarbonizing maritime operations. With the theme “Chartering a Sustainable Maritime Future”, the conference featured keynote speeches, expert panels, and technology showcases highlighting next-generation green port infrastructure, alternative fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, and digital innovations aimed at reducing carbon footprints.

At the Green Ports & Shipping Conference under NAVIC Cell 3 of MoPSW, key discussions unfolded on clean energy, marine pollution control and green port infrastructure. This marks a significant step in the realisation of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi’s Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Port Shipping & Waterways connected virtually to the event, stated that MoPSW is wholly committed to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Net Zero by 2070 vision‘, a key ingredient of a greener and Viksit Bharat! He also highlighted how VoC Port Authority Tuticorin stands as a lighthouse, guiding India’s maritime sector towards a sustainable future.

Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State, PS&W, also connected virtually highlighted that India is steadily progressing towards a greener maritime future, guided by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Speaking of the India Maritime Week 2025, he said that the global platform will showcase India’s sustainable maritime initiatives and serve as a platform for greater international collaboration in the sector.

Shri T.K. Ramachandran (IAS), Secretary, MoPSW in a virtual meeting, emphasized on the need to adopt sustainable practices across the maritime sector. He further stressed on how this conclave will help chart a clear roadmap for a greener future, aligning with the nation’s long-term vision of a sustainable Maritime Sector.

Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VoC Port Authority_Tuticorin, emphasized that the Green Ports & Shipping Conference will act as a platform to discuss actionable ideas and innovations aimed at shaping a more sustainable maritime sector. He also highlighted how the event shall serve as a precursor to the India Maritime Week 2025

Dr. Malini V. Shankar, IAS (Retd.), Vice Chancellor of Indian Maritime University spoke of how India must lead from the front in a world where green shipping initiatives are gaining momentum. She also highlighted that adopting such practices are key in realising Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi’s Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047.

Shri Vijay Kumar (IAS), Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India, underscored the essential nature of sustainable shipping practices for the future of the maritime sector. He also highlighted that the effective and structured implementation of green initiatives are crucial for realising a sustainable maritime ecosystem.

Key topics included in the conference were :

• Green Port Development: Innovations in electrification, shore power, and smart logistics systems.
• Zero-Emission Vessels: Progress in hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-fueled ship technologies.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Updates on IMO targets, EU Fit for 55, and ESG compliance requirements.
• Financing the Transition: Investment strategies for sustainable maritime infrastructure and innovation.

The conference also showcased a Green Innovation Pavilion, where start-ups and tech companies demonstrated breakthrough solutions in emission monitoring, green propulsion, and AI-powered port optimization.

Notable attendees included representatives from Ministry of Shipping and Ports alongwith Governmental Agencies, and International bodies like the IMO and UNCTAD. As global trade continues to evolve, the Green Ports & Shipping Conference signals a unified push toward achieving net-zero targets and ensuring that maritime transport remains a key driver of a greener global economy.