5 days ago
India, Norway discuss deeper maritime ties; joint focus on green technologies, electric ferries, shipbuilding collaboration
New Delhi: India and Norway discussed broad-based cooperation in maritime technology, shipbuilding, clean fuels, and ocean management as Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal held bilateral meetings with his Norwegian counterparts during the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo.
The meetings with Norway's Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård and Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss focused on
green maritime technologies
, ferry system electrification, ship recycling, and cooperation in the blue economy.
Highlighting India's initiatives under the '
Maritime India Vision 2030
' and 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047', Sonowal said, 'India is advancing port infrastructure, green shipping, shipbuilding, and digitalisation. Our ports are not just gateways to trade—they are becoming catalysts of clean energy transitions, supporting offshore wind, green hydrogen, and low-carbon logistics.'
Both sides discussed electrification of ferry systems, with India expressing interest in Norway's experience. 'India and Norway can continue this partnership and manufacture electric ferries and vessels for the emerging global demand. India is keen to partner with Norway for best practices in electrification of ferry systems to optimise our inland waterways,' Sonowal said.
The discussions built upon India's Green Coastal Shipping Programme and the Green Voyage 2050 initiative. Norway's capabilities in AI-driven port management, digital twins, and alternative fuels such as LNG, hydrogen and electric propulsion were explored in the context of India's MAITRI initiative.
Sonowal and Sivertsen Næss also reviewed cooperation in ship recycling, seafarer training, sustainable fisheries, offshore hydrocarbons, and ocean renewable energy. The Alang Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat was discussed as a potential site for joint initiatives to promote sustainable ship-breaking practices.
'Norway has been a valued partner for India in the maritime domain and beyond. The recent EFTA-India Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement marks a significant milestone and reaffirms our strong economic cooperation,' Sonowal said.
India proposed a joint feasibility study with Norway for operationalising the Northern Sea Route (NSR), with collaboration in Arctic navigation, research and development in Arctic shipping, and the design of ice-class vessels.
Reiterating India's commitment to gender diversity, Sonowal referred to the 'Saagar Mein Samman' initiative and sought Norway's support in building human capital through seafarer training in areas like polar navigation and maritime cybersecurity.
Inviting Norwegian firms to explore joint ventures in ocean renewable energy, Sonowal said, 'India and Norway also share a robust and growing partnership in the Blue Economy, driven by their shared vision for sustainable ocean management.'
He added, 'The strong momentum in our bilateral engagement is likely to soar further as we agree to deepen our bilateral maritime cooperation. We will work closely to translate today's talk points into actionable items.'
