The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environmental Defence Fund (EDF) in Kolkata on 13 October 2026, formalising a framework for collaboration on maritime decarbonisation and sustainable shipping across India. The agreement marks a significant step in India's effort to align its shipping sector with global green standards.

What the MoU Covers

The MoU was signed by Killi Mohana Rao, Chief Surveyor-cum-Additional Director General (Engineering), DGMA, and Hisham Mundol, Executive Director, India, EDF. According to the DGMA, key areas of collaboration include 'research and technical studies on low-carbon marine fuels, maritime finance and investment mechanisms, green procurement, green ports, shore power and electrification of zero- or low-emission small vessels.' The agreement also envisions capacity building, technical exchanges and stakeholder engagement to identify practical pathways for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.

India's Decarbonisation Push So Far

The DGMA has already been pushing shipping companies operating in Indian territorial waters to begin using ethanol-mixed marine diesel, with firms given time to retrofit onboard equipment and install dedicated tanks for the green fuel. Separately, initiatives are underway to design and build green tugs and other auxiliary vessels for Indian ports. Berths at major ports are also being fitted with charging points to support hybrid and electric vessels without affecting operational performance.

Global Shift to Hybrid Technology

The moves come as global shipping undergoes a structural transition. With multiple countries imposing restrictions on high-emission vessels, large cargo ships are increasingly adopting hybrid propulsion systems that allow them to switch to electricity when berthed or anchored. India's greening plans mirror this trend, covering hybrid ferries, support vessels, tugs and cargo-handling equipment. The Ministry also plans to extend green technology to passenger and goods movement along India's coastline and national waterways.

The 2047 Shipbuilding Vision

The DGMA-EDF partnership carries strategic weight beyond emissions compliance. India has set an ambition to become a global shipbuilding hub by 2047, with an interim target of ranking among the top ten shipbuilders in the world by 2035. Industry analysts note that green technology adoption in Indian shipyards will be a prerequisite for accessing major international contracts, as European and East Asian buyers increasingly mandate low-emission vessels. 'This initiative reflects DGMA's continued efforts towards promoting sustainable maritime development, facilitating the adoption of cleaner technologies and strengthening India's competitiveness and leadership in the global maritime sector,' the DGMA said in a statement.

What Comes Next

The collaboration is expected to generate research outputs on alternative marine fuels and financing models that can help Indian shipping companies manage the cost of green transitions. With India's shipbuilding ambitions tied directly to green credentials, the pace at which DGMA translates this framework into operational policy will be closely watched by the sector.