In a significant step towards enhancing sustainable maritime practices, India and Norway have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering green shipping technologies, digital maritime ecosystems, and ocean-based collaboration. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, led India’s delegation at the Nor-Shipping 2025 event in Oslo, where he engaged in bilateral meetings with Norway’s Minister of Transport, Jon-Ivar Nygård, and Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

The discussions focused on deepening cooperation across key maritime sectors, including ferry electrification, sustainable port development, ship recycling, and ocean renewable energy. A highlight of the talks was India’s offer to undertake a Joint Feasibility Study with Norway to explore the operationalisation of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The study aims to assess safe, sustainable, and efficient shipping routes through Arctic waters while addressing environmental and technological challenges.

During his interaction with Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård, Shri Sonowal commended Norway’s pioneering role in the electrification of its ferry system. India expressed its intent to leverage Norwegian best practices to advance its Green Coastal Shipping Programme and electrify its vast inland waterway transport systems. Both sides also identified synergies in digital port infrastructure, AI-driven logistics, and the deployment of low-emission maritime technologies.

“Under the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is transitioning towards sustainable maritime practices through the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” said Shri Sonowal. “Our ports are not merely trade gateways—they are becoming clean energy and innovation hubs.”

He emphasised India’s commitment to green shipping, including hydrogen-powered vessels, green tug transition, and e-methanol bunkering. The Minister proposed collaboration in manufacturing electric ferries and vessels for global deployment, capitalising on India’s shipbuilding capacity and Norway’s technological expertise.

In his meeting with Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Shri Sonowal explored avenues for cooperation in sustainable fisheries, seafarer training, ocean renewable energy, and responsible ship recycling. The potential of the Alang Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat as a model for green ship-breaking was also highlighted.

Recognising the importance of inclusive maritime development, Shri Sonowal underscored India’s efforts to promote gender equity in the sector through initiatives such as ‘Saagar Mein Samman’. He also called for Norwegian support in training Indian seafarers in polar navigation, cybersecurity, and emerging maritime technologies.

The Ministers welcomed the momentum generated by the EFTA-India Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and acknowledged the enduring maritime partnership between the two nations. Shri Sonowal invited Norwegian companies to collaborate in developing ocean renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, and deep-sea exploration aligned with the shared goal of a resilient Blue Economy.

“The time is ripe for India and Norway to translate shared visions into joint actions,” stated Shri Sonowal. “Together, we can pave the way for a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive maritime future.”

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