New Delhi/ Cochin: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) along with The World Bank and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) On Friday organised a workshop on ‘Charting a Course for Green Inland Vessels Transition'. The work shop that took place in Kochi, Kerala had state government representatives and other concerned stakeholders as well.

"The discussions held in the workshop will lead a step closer towards achieving the objectives of net zero emissions as mentioned in ‘MIV 2030’ and ‘Amritkal Vision 2047'," ministry said in a statement issued later. MoPSW is taking all measures to achieve the target of net zero carbon emissions, the statement mentioned.

This workshop has been organised in line with the Government’s policy of maritime sector playing an instrumental role and paving the way for India to set sail towards Green Sustainability Transportation under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister.

"This is also understood to fuel the current Government objectives for the ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’ under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and ‘Harit Sagar Guidelines’ under MoPSW to develop a dynamic ecosystem in port development, operation and maintenance", the statement added.

The participants including Cochin Shipyard Limited, the Kochi Water Metro and state departments associated with water transportation shared progress towards green transition through illustrations of existing and upcoming vessels based on alternate fuels (such as electric, hydrogen and methanol).

The discussions revolved around the proposed scheme focusing on financing, construction, and rolling out of green vessel initiatives along with the development of supporting infrastructure for the same. Various green fuel options were also discussed.

Representatives from Kochi Water Metro shared the conceptual and operational contours of how a water-based metro system in Kochi city was not only a strong step forward toward modal adoption of water transport, but also a first of its kind global project with the largest fleet ownership of electric vessels.

During the event, on lines of the Kochi Water Metro, representative of Government of Maharashtra evinced interest for entering into an MoU with Kochi Water Metro and MoPSW to introduce similar water metro system in Maharashtra.

The importance of research and development for technology stabilization and standardization were also deliberated among participants during the event. The workshop will be followed by a site visit to the Kochi Water Metro and Cochin Shipyard on December 02.

The workshop was attended by officers from the Ministry of Port, Shipping & Waterways, representatives of State Government of Assam, Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha, Karnataka, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala State Water Transport Department and Kochi Metro Rail Ltd., and various private entities including shippers, vessels owner’s cargo owners, etc.

This was first of its kind workshop which will help the major industry leaders to converge and decide the future of green transition in India.

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