Denmark and India collaborate to establish CoE in green shipping

By Admin

09 Jun, 2025

In a significant move toward sustainable maritime development, India and Denmark have joined hands to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Green Shipping in India. This collaborative effort is set to enhance the quality and efficiency of maritime activities while promoting the green transition of the Indian maritime sector.

A New Milestone in Bilateral Maritime Ties
The announcement followed a high-level bilateral meeting between Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Denmark’s Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Morten Bodskov. The two leaders reaffirmed the Green Strategic Partnership, initially established by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen, and expressed a shared commitment to advancing maritime collaboration.

Strategic Focus Areas and MoU Signing
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to formally initiate this collaboration. The MoU outlines the establishment of the CoE, a critical step that aligns with the Government of India’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This vision emphasizes India’s aspirations to evolve into a global green shipping hub. Both nations regard this MoU as a landmark agreement that will significantly boost green innovation in the maritime sector.

Green Corridors and Knowledge Exchange
The CoE will play a central role in developing green corridors through a pre-feasibility study, assessing the main components and identifying promising shipping routes in India that can transition to zero-emission pathways. Institutions such as the Maersk McKinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) and the National Centre of Excellence for Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) are expected to collaborate on defining specific project plans for green shipping development.

Boosting Maritime Heritage and Smart Port Innovation
Furthering the cultural exchange, a Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed between the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal and the Maritime Museum of Denmark in Elsinore. This agreement fosters cooperation on preserving and showcasing maritime heritage and conducting joint research on shared maritime history.

On the technology front, India proposed that the Indian Ports Association (IPA) collaborate with the Port of Aarhus to develop smart port solutions. These innovations, once validated, could be scaled across Indian ports to improve operational efficiency and reduce carbon footprints.

Way Forward
The meeting also explored expanded areas of cooperation, including green fuels and technologies, decarbonisation strategies, ship recycling, and maritime training and education. India and Denmark aim to set new standards in global shipping practices, emphasizing sustainability and long-term environmental responsibility.

This partnership marks a pivotal step in transforming India’s maritime landscape, making it not only more efficient but also environmentally responsible. As the CoE becomes operational, it is expected to be a catalyst for green innovation and sustainable development in maritime operations across India.