India, EU launched an industry collaboration for an India–EU Green Shipping Corridor at Sagarmanthan 2026
India and the European Union have launched a new industry coalition to build the India-EU Green Shipping Corridor. The announcement came during Sagarmanthan 2026, a global maritime forum, and it aims to create cleaner trade routes while speeding up the switch to low-emission marine fuels. The partnership makes perfect sense: it matches India's massive renewable energy potential with Europe's growing demand for sustainable shipping fuels. Ultimately, it is about making international supply chains greener and more reliable.
Rethinking Global Trade Routes
Right now, global shipping is dealing with new challenges and bottlenecks at key transit points. Speaking at the event, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, stressed that we need more diverse trade routes. He pointed out that the world can no longer afford to rely on just one route, port, or chokepoint to move goods safely.
Protecting Supply Chains
When major shipping routes get blocked or disrupted, the fallout hits everything from energy markets and factories to the everyday lives of consumers. To help fix this, the European Union is putting its weight behind the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This new green shipping coalition will act as a building block for the IMEC, creating stronger and more resilient links between India and Europe. Alongside this, the EU's Global Gateway strategy will help turn these big maritime goals into real, sustainable infrastructure.
The Push for Cleaner Marine Fuels
Moving away from traditional bunker fuels is no easy task—it requires serious teamwork among fuel producers, shipping companies, and ports. India's Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, made it clear that India is committed to helping the global maritime sector become more energy-efficient and cut greenhouse gas emissions. To make this happen, the India-EU Green Shipping Corridor will focus heavily on producing and using green hydrogen alternatives, especially green ammonia and green methanol.
India's Renewable Energy Role
India has the power grid and renewable resources needed to become a massive producer of zero-emission marine fuels. At the same time, Europe offers a ready market, the right technology, and the investment needed to keep that demand strong. Looking ahead, the European Commissioner highlighted four main pillars for future maritime teamwork: sustainable shipping, reliable connectivity, tough port and cyber security, and keeping our oceans healthy.
Preparing the Ports
To get this industry coalition off the ground, a formal letter of intent was signed in partnership with the sustainability research group RMI. The group will now look into how much fuel is available, whether the technology is ready, and exactly what kind of bunkering infrastructure is needed at specific ports.
On the ground, the Indian government has already chosen three major ports to serve as strategic green hydrogen hubs. These are Deendayal Port at Kandla, Paradip Port, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin.
Speeding Up Port Logistics
By upgrading these specific ports, the goal is to turn them into fully integrated hubs that can produce, store, and export next-generation marine fuels. India has already made great progress in making its ports more efficient. For example, the amount of cargo handled by India's major ports jumped from 581 million tonnes in 2014-2015 to over 915 million tonnes recently. On top of that, the time it takes for ships to turn around has been cut by more than half, which is exactly the kind of efficiency needed to make green shipping corridors work.
The Bigger Picture for Maritime Growth
In a written message to the event, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, called for a free, open, secure, and rules-based maritime order. He stressed that the world's oceans should be a source of shared prosperity, giving every country the chance to grow safely.
This new green corridor fits perfectly with India's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, a long-term roadmap that puts sustainable shipping and the blue economy front and center of the country's development.
Looking Ahead to 2047
As part of its long-term strategy, India aims to power its major ports with over 60 percent renewable energy by 2030, pushing that figure above 90 percent by 2047. With more than 1,200 ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 70 countries gathering at the event, this coalition shows a united front in the fight to decarbonize shipping. By sharing resources and getting their rules on the same page, India and the EU are taking solid steps to keep future maritime trade both profitable and planet-friendly. Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026 took place in New Delhi, India, from October 7 to October 9, 2026.
Comments