राष्ट्रीय हरित पत्तन एवं पोत परिवहन उत्कृष्टता केन्द्र

National Centre of Excellence in Green Ports and Shipping

India and the European Union announced the conclusion of negotiations for a landmark free trade agreement, described as the “mother of all deals,” which is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade. Under the agreement, EU exports to India are projected to double, while the 27-member bloc has committed to reducing tariffs by up to €4 billion annually for exporters of all sizes. As part of the deal, tariffs will be eliminated or reduced on more than 90% of EU goods exports. According to the European Commission, India has agreed to cut tariffs on wines from 150% to 75% upon the agreement’s entry into force, with further reductions to as low as 20% over time. Tariffs on olive oil will also be phased down from 45% to zero within five years.

Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has taken a major step towards decarbonising India’s maritime sector by signing an agreement with Oswal Greenzo Energies to establish the country’s first port-based green hydrogen plant. Under the agreement, Oswal Greenzo Energies will be responsible for the design, engineering, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 5 MW green hydrogen facility at the port. The project represents a significant milestone in developing sustainable and future-ready port infrastructure and aligns with the Government of India’s Make in India – Make for the World initiative and the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Once operational, the plant is expected to produce approximately 840 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually.

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has achieved a major sustainability milestone by becoming the second major port in India to commission a Shore-to-Ship Power Supply System capable of providing full load power to vessels while at berth. The system was successfully demonstrated at the CB-1 berth, where MV APJ INDRANI, owned by Apeejay Shipping, one of India’s oldest maritime companies with a 77-year legacy was seamlessly connected to the shore power facility. The successful integration highlights the port’s readiness to support vessels equipped with shore power reception systems, enabling significant reductions in emissions during port stays.

Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has reached an in-principle agreement with India’s state-owned natural gas company GAIL (India) Limited and J M Baxi Group for the joint ownership of an LNG carrier currently under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries. The 174,000 m³ vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2027 and will be deployed under a long-term time charter with GAIL upon completion. The three partners formalized the collaboration at a signing ceremony held during India Energy Week in Goa on January 27, attended by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri. Notably, K Line had earlier concluded a long-term time charter agreement with GAIL, announced on December 2, 2024.

Driving efficiency across two critical US gateways for trade within the Americas. The three Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes in high-rise configuration will be deployed across Seaboard Marine’s private terminals at PortMiami and Port of Houston, enhancing container handling. Electric drive positions the cranes for future shore power initiatives, while hydrostatic drive technology ensures smooth, efficient performance under variable load conditions. With an outreach of up to 54 metres and a configured lifting capacity of 104 metric tons, the LHM 550 accommodates New‑Panamax vessels while preserving exceptional turnaround times. The new cranes will strengthen berth productivity and support growth in refrigerated cargo and breakbulk shipments.