DGMA, EDF Sign MoU to Advance Maritime Decarbonisation in India

Summary

India’s Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) have signed a non-financial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support maritime decarbonisation through technical collaboration, research and capacity building. The partnership will focus on alternative marine fuels, green ports, shore power, vessel electrification and investment opportunities as India develops its National Maritime Decarbonization Policy Framework.

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DGMA and EDF Establish Framework for Maritime Decarbonisation

NEW DELHI, 19 October 2026: The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Inc., a global environmental nonprofit organisation, to advance sustainable shipping and maritime decarbonisation in India.

The agreement establishes a non-financial framework for technical cooperation, research, capacity building and knowledge exchange. It aims to combine DGMA’s institutional and regulatory expertise with EDF’s scientific, technical, economic and policy experience to identify solutions for reducing maritime emissions.

The partnership comes as India pursues its maritime development objectives under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The collaboration will examine opportunities in low- and zero-emission shipping, alternative marine fuel supply chains, sustainable shipbuilding, green port infrastructure and associated investments.

Alternative Marine Fuels, Green Ports and Investment Among Key Priorities

Under the MoU, DGMA and EDF will collaborate on research and technical assessments of low-carbon and alternative maritime fuels, including their lifecycle emissions. Other areas of cooperation include maritime finance and investment, green ports, shore power infrastructure, electrification of small vessels, green procurement, and capacity building.

The agreement also provides for stakeholder engagement and independent technical inputs to inform DGMA’s policy considerations and support the development of India’s maritime decarbonisation framework.

The collaboration is expected to examine the environmental performance of emerging marine fuels across their lifecycles, identify economically viable decarbonisation pathways and assess the conditions required to attract investment in cleaner vessels, fuels and port infrastructure.

Cooperation to Support India’s Maritime Decarbonisation Policy

Commenting on the agreement, Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Maritime Administration, said the partnership would support technical knowledge development and the exchange of international practices as India works on its National Maritime Decarbonization Policy Framework (NMDP).

“The maritime sector is central to India’s economic growth, trade and global competitiveness. As India strengthens its maritime capabilities, sustainability and decarbonization must become integral to our long-term development strategy. As we develop the National Maritime Decarbonization Policy Framework (NMDP), international technical cooperation and knowledge sharing will be important in translating our ambitions into practical action. Our collaboration with Environmental Defense Fund will help strengthen technical knowledge, facilitate the exchange of international best practices and support evidence-based approaches to cleaner maritime fuels, sustainable port infrastructure and investment. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to advance India’s maritime ambitions while building a more resilient, efficient and environmentally sustainable sector,” Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), said.

The partnership will also explore how cleaner shipping technologies and fuels can support the competitiveness of Indian shipyards, ports and maritime businesses while reducing investment risks.

Hisham Mundol, Executive Director, EDF India, said the transition could create opportunities for India across shipbuilding, marine fuels and maritime employment.

“For the first time, the cleanest ship and the most competitive ship are becoming the same ship. India has an enormous opportunity to lead this transition, with ships built here, fueled here and crewed by our people. Through this partnership, we hope to bring together sound science, strong economics and meaningful stakeholder engagement to help keep Indian shipyards, ports and fuels competitive, reduce investment risks and accelerate the transition to cleaner shipping. Our role is to work alongside India’s institutions and industry to develop practical solutions that reduce emissions while creating lasting economic opportunities,” Hisham Mundol, Executive Director, EDF India, said.

Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Capacity Building

The two organisations will undertake research, technical exchanges, stakeholder consultations and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen domestic expertise and support evidence-based decision-making across India’s maritime sector.

The engagement will seek to bring together port authorities, shipowners, cargo owners, fuel producers and other industry stakeholders to identify practical opportunities for accelerating maritime decarbonisation.

The MoU provides a framework for cooperation on environmental sustainability while addressing India’s economic priorities, energy and maritime security, and the opportunities emerging from the global shift towards cleaner shipping.

FAQs

What is the DGMA–EDF MoU about?

The MoU establishes a non-financial framework for technical collaboration, research, capacity building and knowledge exchange to advance sustainable shipping and maritime decarbonisation in India.

Which areas will DGMA and EDF focus on?

The partnership will cover alternative marine fuels and lifecycle emissions, maritime finance, green ports, shore power, electrification of small vessels, green procurement, technical research and stakeholder engagement.

How does the agreement support India’s maritime decarbonisation policy?

The collaboration will provide technical assessments, international knowledge exchange and independent technical inputs to inform policy considerations, including work on India’s National Maritime Decarbonization Policy Framework.

Who signed the MoU?

The agreement was signed between the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, under India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Environmental Defense Fund, Inc.

What are the expected outcomes of the partnership?

The partnership aims to strengthen technical expertise, identify economically viable decarbonisation pathways, support investment in cleaner vessels and port infrastructure, and facilitate informed decision-making across India’s maritime ecosystem.