Current Scenario

India's maritime sector is a cornerstone of its economic framework, handling around 1.2 billion tons of cargo annually across its 12 major ports and over 200 non-major ports. Shipping contributes approximately 3% of total global CO2 emissions, translating to about 940 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Given that India’s transport sector contributes around 10% of the country’s total CO2 emissions, with a significant portion from marine transport, addressing emissions from shipping is crucial. The country’s reliance on heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine diesel for its 1,400-strong merchant fleet results in substantial CO2 and pollutant emissions, necessitating urgent decarbonization efforts.

Key Statistics

• Global Shipping Volume: 10 billion tons of goods transported by ship annually.
• India's Cargo Handling: 1.2 billion tons of cargo handled annually at major and non-major ports.
• Fleet Size: 1,400 vessels in the Indian merchant fleet.
• Fuel Use: Predominantly heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine diesel.
• Emissions Contribution: Shipping accounts for about 3% of global CO2 emissions.

Key Technology

LNG-Powered Ships

• LNG (liquefied natural gas) is already being used commercially as a marine fuel, offering a cleaner alternative to HFO. LNG reduces CO2 emissions by up to 20% compared to traditional marine fuels.

Biofuels

• Bio-Methanol and Biodiesel: Using bio-methanol or biodiesel significantly reduce CO2 emissions from ships. Projects like those led by Indian Oil Corporation are piloting the use of these biofuels in marine transport. Scalability of biofuel production and its economic viability remain critical factors.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

• Engine Optimization: Enhancing the energy efficiency of ship engines and powertrains lead to emissions reductions. Upgrades such as turbochargers, waste heat recovery systems, and advanced fuel injection systems are essential.
• Hull Design: Improving hull design to reduce drag increase fuel efficiency. Hydrodynamic hull modifications, including air lubrication systems, leads to a 10-15% reduction in fuel consumption.

Electrification and Hybridization

• Battery Technology: Advances in battery technology supports hybrid ships, which use a combination of batteries and traditional fuels. Full electrification faces challenges due to current limitations in battery energy density and weight.
• Renewable Integration: Using shore power from renewable sources while docked can minimize emissions in ports. Initiatives like the one by the Port of Chennai, which aims to integrate renewable energy into port operations, are leading the way.

Wind-Powered Ships

• Sail and Kite Systems: Implementing sail or kite systems harnesses wind power to reduce fuel consumption. Wind-assisted propulsion reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 20%.

Digital Technologies

• Route Optimization: Digital tools for route planning and fleet optimization improves operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Companies like Maersk are using AI and big data for optimal route planning.
• Monitoring Systems: Digital monitoring systems for real-time fuel consumption analysis help in optimizing operations and reducing emissions. 

Case Studies 

• Petronet LNG’s Bunkering Infrastructure: Petronet LNG is developing LNG bunkering facilities at major Indian ports. This infrastructure supports the transition to LNG-powered ships, reducing CO2 emissions and other pollutants. By 2025, Petronet aims to have LNG bunkering available at all major ports, significantly boosting the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel.
• Shipping Corporation of India’s Engine Optimization: Shipping Corporation of India is investing in advanced engine technologies to improve the energy efficiency of its fleet. Through initiatives such as retrofitting older vessels with more efficient engines and integrating waste heat recovery systems, the company aims to reduce fuel consumption by 15-20%.
• Vindskip’s Wind-Powered Ship Concept: The Vindskip project is exploring the use of wind-assisted propulsion for large vessels. By harnessing wind power, these ships aim to reduce fuel consumption and emissions significantly. Vindskip estimates that its design can reduce fuel consumption by up to 60% on certain routes.
• Indian Oil Corporation’s Biofuel Initiatives: The Indian Oil Corporation is piloting the use of bio-methanol and biodiesel in marine transport. These initiatives aim to develop scalable solutions for biofuel adoption in the shipping industry. Initial trials have shown a potential reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional marine fuels.