India Norway Maritime Cooperation

• 18 Nov 2022

For Prelims: India Norway Joint Working Group, Geography of Norway

For Mains: India Norway Relations, Green Maritime

Why in News?

Recently, the 8^th Norway-India Joint Working Group Maritime meeting was held in Mumbai, India.

• Norway has the technical expertise in Maritime sector and India has huge potential for development of Maritime sector and large pool of trained seafarers, which make both countries natural complementary partners.
• Earlier, India had also prepared Maritime India Vision 2030, which has identified more than 150 initiatives across various maritime sectors like ports, shipping and waterways focusing on capacity augmentation etc.

What are the Key Discussions of the Meeting?

• Discussion was held on use of alternative fuels like green ammonia and hydrogen for futuristic shipping.
• The Norwegian Green Shipping Programme has been successful and the experience and expertise was shared in the meeting.
• India and Norway are part of the Green Voyage 2050 project.
  • Both parties agreed on willingness, devotion, partnership and capacity building for achieving common goals.
• India is a signatory to Hongkong Convention for Recycling of Ships.
  • In the meeting, India requested that European Union regulation should not hinder recycling of non-European countries which are compliant as per International Convention.
  • Norway was requested not to prolong Ship recycling to India as a lot of investment has been made by Indian recyclers.
• The Norwegian delegation will also take part in INMARCO, the Green Shipping Conclave, and the Maritime ShEO conference.
  • The Maritime ShEO conference is supported by Norway and focused on maritime diversity and sustainability, including gender equality in the maritime industry.

What is Maritime India Vision 2030?

• About:
  • Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 is a ten-year blueprint for the maritime sector released by the Prime Minister of India at the Maritime India Summit in November 2020.
  • MIV 2030 has been formulated in consultation with over 350+ public and private sector stakeholders, comprising ports, shipyards, inland waterways, trade bodies and associations, national and international industry and legal experts.
• Themes:
  • MIV 2030 is based on 10 themes covering all the facets of the Indian maritime sector and is a comprehensive effort to define and meet national maritime objectives:
    • Develop best-in-class Port infrastructure.
    • Drive Exchange to Exchange Logistics Efficiency and Cost Competitiveness.
    • Enhance Logistics Efficiency through Technology and Innovation.
    • Strengthen Policy and Institutional Framework to Support all Stakeholders.
    • Enhance Global Share in Ship Building, Repair and Recycling.
    • Enhance Cargo and Passenger Movement through Inland Waterways.
    • Promote Ocean, Coastal and River Cruise Sector.
    • Enhance India’s Global stature and Maritime Co-operation.
    • Lead the World in Safe, Sustainable & Green Maritime Sector.
    • Become Top Seafaring Nation with World Class Education, Research & Training.
• Key Targets 2030:
  • Three Major Ports with >300 Million Ton Per Annum (MTPA) cargo handling capacity.
  • More than 75% of Indian cargo transshipment handled by Indian ports.
  • More than 85% of cargo handled at Major Ports by Public Private Partnership/ other operators.
  • Average vessel turnaround time (containers) of less than 20 hours.
  • Global ranking of Top 10 in ship building and ship repair.
  • More than 15 Lakh annual cruise passengers.
  • More than 60% share of renewable energy at Major Ports.

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)

Source: PIB