Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal visited The Energy and Resources Institute's (TERI) Gwal Pahari campus in Gurugram on September 3, 2026, to review green shipping initiatives and position maritime decarbonization as a priority area for the ministry. The minister planted a tree to mark the occasion and was briefed on the National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS), which presented its mandate, ongoing projects, and upcoming plans to support the ministry's maritime decarbonization efforts.
The visit focused on reviewing proposed green shipping corridors and port readiness for alternative fuels, reflecting the government's push to position India as a hub for cleaner maritime trade routes. Minister Sonowal emphasized that green shipping is no longer a choice but a necessary direction, stating that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership intends to lead from the front in this transition.
The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) presented its work on developing low- and zero-emission shipping corridors, outlining efforts to accelerate adoption of cleaner fuels and technologies across the shipping ecosystem. Three major ports—Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—presented progress on Green Fuel Bunkering Hubs, detailing steps to strengthen infrastructure for alternative and green marine fuels.
Kamarajar Port Limited separately reported that its coal terminals are now equipped with shore power facilities, allowing berthed vessels to draw electricity from land instead of running onboard engines, which cuts emissions at port. These initiatives collectively span green fuel infrastructure, bunkering readiness, shore power, and port decarbonization, highlighting the coordination between government, ports, research institutions, and knowledge partners in delivering India's maritime sustainability targets.
The program concluded with an interaction session over lunch between the minister, senior ministry officials, and stakeholders from participating ports and institutions. This visit signals the ministry's stepped-up efforts to build green shipping corridors and bunkering capacity at Indian ports, aligning with global decarbonization timelines and India's ambitions of becoming a top maritime power.