India turns to green ports to drive sustainable maritime expansion

India’s push to emerge as a major maritime power is increasingly being shaped by sustainability, as the country aligns rapid port-led growth with environmental responsibility. Along its 7,500-kilometer coastline, ports that once served as modest trade gateways have evolved into critical engines of economic activity, supporting manufacturing, exports and India’s deeper integration with global supply chains, according to an India Narrative report.

Ports account for nearly 95 percent of India’s external trade by volume, underlining their central role in the economy. Over the last decade, cargo handled at major ports has climbed from around 581 million tonnes to almost 855 million tonnes, reflecting the expansion of domestic manufacturing and rising trade volumes. However, this growth has also heightened concerns over pollution, carbon emissions and the impact on fragile coastal ecosystems, as many ports operate close to mangroves, wetlands, coral reefs and densely populated urban centers.

Recognizing these challenges, policymakers are increasingly viewing green growth not as a constraint, but as the foundation for long-term and resilient development. A key milestone in this shift is the replacement of the colonial-era Ports Act of 1908 with the Indian Ports Act, 2025. The new legislation embeds environmental safeguards into the core of port governance, making sustainability a statutory requirement rather than a voluntary initiative.

This regulatory transformation is reinforced by long-term policy frameworks such as the Maritime India Vision 2030, which places sustainability at the center of port-led development. The vision is supported by the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines, which set specific and measurable targets for the sector. These include reducing carbon emissions per tonne of cargo by 30 percent by 2030, electrifying a significant portion of port equipment, and sourcing more than 60 percent of energy requirements from renewable sources. The targets are designed to scale further towards 2047, signalling a sustained and evolving green transition.

Operational changes are already visible across several ports. Shore-to-ship power facilities are enabling vessels to shut down diesel engines while berthed, cutting emissions and improving air quality in surrounding cities. Increased use of electric cranes, vehicles and cargo-handling equipment is helping lower noise pollution, reduce fuel consumption and enhance workplace safety.

Ports are also strengthening efforts in water management and biodiversity conservation. Measures include recycling wastewater, minimizing discharge into the marine environment, and reusing dredged material for construction and coastal protection. Simultaneously, initiatives to restore mangroves and expand green cover are helping sequester carbon and protect coastlines from erosion and extreme weather events linked to climate change.

Together, these measures reflect a clear policy direction: India’s next phase of maritime growth will be powered by green ports that balance economic expansion with environmental stewardship and community well-being.