Global Hub for Green Ship Building by 2030

• 27 Mar 2023

For Prelims: Green Tug Transition Programme, UN's Sustainable Development Goal, Paris Agreement, PM Gati Shakti, International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

For Mains: India’s Initiatives Related to Shipbuilding Sector.

Why in News?

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, has announced India's plan to become a global hub for green ship building by 2030 with the launch of the Green Tug Transition Programme.

• This initiative aims to reduce emissions and move towards sustainable development.

What are India's Initiatives Related to the Shipping Sector?

• National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NoCEGPS):
  • India’s first NoCEGPS is a collaboration between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Energy and Resources Institute. It is in Gurugram, Haryana.
    • The centre is aimed at playing a crucial role in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (14) to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, conservation, and sustainable use of ocean-based resources.
    • The centre will develop the regulatory framework and alternative technology adoption roadmap for green shipping in India, meeting the obligations under the Paris Agreement.
  • NCoEGPS will act as a technological arm of MoPSW for providing the needed support on Policy, Research and Cooperation on Green Shipping areas for Ports, DG Shipping, CSL and other institutions under the umbrella of MoPSW.
• Green Tug Transition Programme:
  • The Green Tug Transition Programme will start with 'Green Hybrid Tugs' powered by Green Hybrid Propulsion systems and subsequently adopting non-fossil fuel solutions like Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen.
    • The target is to have the initial Green Tugs working in all major ports by 2025, and 50% of all Tugs converted into Green Tugs by 2030.
• PM Gati Shakti:
  • The development of green logistics supply chains in the country has already accelerated through the PM Gati Shakti - National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity along with the Green Ports initiative.
    • The ports aim to reduce carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled by 30% by 2030.
• The Green Voyage 2050 Project:
  • It is a partnership project between the Government of Norway and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) launched in May 2019 aiming to transform the shipping industry towards a lower carbon future.

Conclusion

India's aim to become a global hub for green shipbuilding by 2030 is a major endeavour towards a cleaner, greener environment. These initiatives will accelerate India's development of green logistics supply chains and reduce carbon emissions, achieving sustainable development.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2015)

1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Exp:

• Indian Ocean Rim Association for RegionalCooperation (IOR-ARC) is a regional cooperation initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim countries which was established in Mauritius in March, 1997 with the aim of promoting economic and technical cooperation among its members. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• IOR-ARC is the only pan-Indian ocean grouping. It has 23 Member States and 9 Dialogue Partners.
• It aims to create a platform for trade, socio-economic and cultural cooperation in the Indian Ocean Rim area, which constitutes a population of about two billion people. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• The Indian Ocean Rim is rich in strategic and precious minerals, metals and other natural resources, marine resources and energy, all of which can be sourcedfrom Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), continental shelves and the deep seabed.
• Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Source: PIB