The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
NEW DELHI, SEPT 28, 2021
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday said that India intended to increase the share of renewable energy to 60% of total power demand of each of its major ports from the present share of less than 10%. It would be through solar and wind generated power.
Virtually addressing the session on IMO-Norway Green Voyage 2050 Project in New Delhi today, the Minister said, “Fifty percent of port equipment will be electrified by 2030, and all ports shall supply shore power to all visiting ships in a three-phased manner by that time.” The ports have also aimed to reduce carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled by 30% by 2030, he added.
He further said that India has always extended support to IMO’s work towards reduction of GHG emissions from shipping by being part of GloMEEP project earlier and now Green Voyage. “India is on path to low carbon economy and shipping. The Maritime Vision Document 2030, released by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is a 10-year blue print on India’s vision of a sustainable Maritime sector and vibrant blue economy.” He informed that India has been selected as the first country under IMO Green Voyage 2050 project for conduct of a pilot project related to Green Shipping.
“India will be implementing IMO energy efficiency requirements for existing ships and carbon intensity requirements on all its vessels whether coastal or international in order to help achieve IMO GHG reduction targets,” Sonowal informed. India is already supplying shore power to ships with power demand less than 150 KW at present and targeting to supply shore power to all visiting ships, he added.
India is working actively at Marine Environmental Protection Committee of IMO to help devise acceptable regulatory requirements for GHG emission reduction in line with IMO GHG initial strategy.
