In a move in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to create a green fuel ecosystem in the country, the state-run Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has signed a strategic partnership with Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL).

“A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), MPSF and HPCL to develop a green fuel ecosystem,” the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said in a statement.

Harita Sagar Initiative

The government has unveiled plans to make hydrogen-based green fuel available at the country’s largest ports by 2035, as part of a broader climate programme for the port sector.

The new Harita Sagar guidelines call for “measurable reductions in carbon emissions within defined timeframes”, with the overall goal of reducing carbon emissions per tonne of cargo handled by a quarter by 2030 and two-thirds by 2047.

While each of India’s 12 major ports will cross the target line in its own way, the plan includes several firm commitments. All 12 ports should have LNG supply facilities by 2030. As per the programme, the ports should also have green hydrogen and green ammonia supplies by 2035.

Strategic Agreements

During the event at MbPA, several MoUs were signed in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. A second MoU was signed between Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and MPSF for collaboration in emission management, decarbonisation, digitalisation and security in port and shipping operations.

In addition, an MoU was signed with the Royal Bombay Yacht Club to place a pontoon to improve passenger safety at the Gateway of India. Additionally, an agreement was signed with RPG Foundation to develop heritage parks and exhibits on the Ballard Quays. During the event, land transfer documents for various lease agreements were handed over, including leasing of two plots of land to Mahanagar Gas and two plots at Pir Pau for liquid bulk storage to Aegis Logistic. Lease renewals of Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders, leasing of land for workshops from MbPA and allotment of land and water areas near the National Cruise Terminal to ONGC for fast crew vessels were also finalised, the ministry said in the statement. “The initiatives announced and agreements signed today represent a total investment of Rs 4,000 crore, which is expected to benefit Mumbai immensely. These developments will also generate 1.45 lakh person-days of employment,” it said.