Business Roundtable on Green Shipping
The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) in collaboration with the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF-SO) organised a business roundtable on ‘Green Shipping’ on 21st February in Powai, Mumbai. The roundtable was hosted at a pivotal moment, aligning with the Green Shipping Conclave on 20 February and the growing momentum in India's maritime decarbonisation efforts.
Mr. Stefan Halusa, Director General, IGCC, welcomed the participants and set the tone for the roundtable. He highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to drive sustainability in the sector. He encouraged the participants to share insights, challenges and innovative solutions to accelerate the transiiton towards cleaner maritime practices.
Ms. Josefine Pallesen, Maritime Counsellor, Embassy of Denmark in India, emphasised Denmark's commitment to maritime decarbonisation through global partnerships, including its collaboration with India on green shipping. She highlighted the importance of universal standards in creating a level playing field, driving market growth, and accelerating the green transition.
Ms. Paulina Chromik, Second Secretary for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Netherlands Embassy in India, highlighted the active role of the Netherlands including Port of Rotterdam in advancing green ports, including collaborations with the Government of India & port authorities to develop greencorridors.
Mr. Karan Arora presented on "Sustainable Shipping: Future Fuels & the Path to Net-Zero 2050", exploring efficiency measures, wind-assisted propulsion, battery-electric ships & the pivotal role of PtX fuels in defossilising maritime transport.
Mr. Kumar Abhishek briefed the audience about the German funding schemes for green hydrogen projects highlighting opportunities available through the PtX Development Fund, H2Uppp and Hintco GmbH's second H2Global auction for India's green hydrogen and ammonia sector.
Ms. Eleanor C. and Mr. Joe Boyland, Global Maritime Forum shared insights on green shipping corridors, leading to discussions on India's priorities. An analysis tool was introduced to assess sustainable shipping routes through collaboration & data-driven approaches.
Mr. Philipp Wittrock, International Power-to-X Hub focused on the importance of aligning industry efforts with IMO regulations, ensuring compliance while accelerating the transition to green fuels.
Mr. Debesh Lahiri & Dr. Piyali Das, TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute highlighted the importance of the Greenhouse Gas Fuel Index in evaluating low-carbon marine fuels based on lifecycle emissions.
Mr. Amrit Singh Deo, India Hydrogen Alliance (IH2A) shared insights on developing green hydrogen & ammonia hubs in India, with coastal shipping driving methanol & ammonia adoption.
Mr. Arjun Mehta, GH2 India introduced the Green Ports & Shipping Network, a platform connecting ports, shipping, fuel developers & policymakers to align policies, share best practices & accelerate decarbonisation.
Shri Anand Raidurg, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) highlighted the efforts of Maharashtra in supporting the hydrogen & derivatives ecosystem. The state is playing its part in promoting appropriate hub related infrastructure while also promoting Vadhavan Port for future shipping activities.
Participants emphasised the urgency of infrastructure development, green fuel adoption & regulatory alignment to strengthen India's leadership in sustainable maritime transport.
