- Why in news
- On 3 September 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited TERI's Gwal Pahari campus in Gurugram. He reviewed green shipping corridors, green fuel bunkering hubs and shore power at ports.
- What it is
- The National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS) supports the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in maritime decarbonisation. It works on green fuels, port readiness and low-emission shipping. A green shipping corridor is a specific sea route between ports on which zero-emission ships and fuels are supported.
- NCoEGPS role
- The centre presented its mandate and projects to support the shipping ministry in maritime decarbonisation.
- Green bunkering hubs
- Deendayal, Paradip and V.O. Chidambaranar port authorities reported progress on Green Fuel Bunkering Hubs.
- Shore power
- Kamarajar Port's coal terminals now have shore power, so berthed ships use land electricity instead of running onboard engines.
- Corridor partner
- The Rocky Mountain Institute presented its work on low- and zero-emission shipping corridors.
Don’t confuse with Shore power vs green bunkering: Shore power supplies electricity to berthed ships. Green bunkering supplies alternative fuels such as green ammonia or methanol to ships.
Environment: Prelims tests bodies, programmes and the law behind them; Mains asks why plans fall short.
Why it matters
- Cuts port and shipping emissions and supports India's climate and maritime goals.
- Prepares Indian ports for global low-carbon shipping rules and trade.
Problems
- Green fuels are costly and supply is limited.
- Ports need heavy investment in bunkering and power infrastructure, and ships need compatible engines.
Way forward
- Build green fuel production and bunkering hubs at major ports in phases.
- Align with global shipping decarbonisation timelines and use partnerships with research bodies and industry.
Put in your answer
Port-level shore power: Kamarajar Port's coal terminals with shore power show port-level decarbonisation in practice.
- 2023Mains GS2 · Q20Role of IMO in protecting marine environment and maritime safety
- 2023Prelims Q60Which uses of green hydrogen as fuel are correct
- 2026Prelims Q45Which statements on green hydrogen production and its emissions abatement are correct
- 2026Prelims Q35Which statements on Sagarmala's port-led growth and goals are correct
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting topic of maritime decarbonisation, but the release is a minister's review with no new decision or numbers.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.