Centre explores plan to run ships fully on clean energy

 Centre explores plan to run ships  fully on clean  energy (livemint.com)

India is exploring a unique plan to run ships 100% on green energy that may involve a hybrid energy model comprising of a mix of solar, sea water, wind, and hydrogen, said two government officials aware of the development.

The plan is being explored by the ministries of ports, shipping and waterways and new and renewable energy (MNRE), the people said requesting anonymity.

The innovative strategy will not only help lower operating costs for cargo ships but also reduce their carbon emissions. This can be a potential game changer for the country’s energy security as India imports 85% of its crude oil and 53% of gas requirements. Bunker or ship fuel accounts for the bulk of a ship’s operating costs.

Maritime transport accounts for about 95% and 70% of India’s trade by volume and value. Cargo traffic handled by the top domestic ports is expected to reach 1,695 million metric tonnes (mmt) this fiscal from 672.60 mmt last year. 

Meanwhile, tapping eco-friendly fuel sources by Indian Navy ships will allow them be at sea for longer without the need to either return to port or seek support vessels at high seas for refuelling. This also comes at a time of India’s quest for a blue water navy when the US is seeking a bigger role for India in stabilizing and maintaining the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region, a large swathe of land and sea stretching all the way from the west coast of the US to the shores of east Africa. Queries emailed to the ministries of ports, shipping and waterways and new and renewable energy on Friday evening remained unanswered till press time.