Cooperation For Sustainable Ship-breaking In Alang Figures At India-Norway Bilateral

New Delhi, Jun 5 (KNN) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal conducted bilateral meetings with Norwegian officials in Oslo to explore enhanced maritime cooperation between the two nations.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Nor-Shipping event and included meetings with Norway's Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård and Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

The discussions also highlighted the potential role of India's Alang Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat for implementing sustainable ship-breaking practices with enhanced environmental and safety standards.

The primary focus of the India-Norway dialogue centered on advancing green maritime technologies and sustainable shipping practices.

Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in ferry system electrification, drawing from Norway's established expertise in this area.

Minister Sonowal highlighted India's commitment to transforming its ports into global investment hubs through public-private partnerships and green energy integration.

The discussions encompassed joint efforts in smart logistics, digital port ecosystems, and clean coastal shipping technologies.

India's MAITRI initiative was identified as complementary to Norway's capabilities in artificial intelligence-driven port management, digital twins, and alternative fuel systems including liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, and electric propulsion.

The bilateral talks addressed multiple sectors within the maritime domain, including ship recycling, seafarer training, sustainable fisheries management, ocean renewable energy, and offshore hydrocarbon exploration.

Both nations emphasised their shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility in maritime operations.

A significant component of the partnership involves leveraging Norway's ship design expertise alongside India's shipyard capacity to produce environmentally friendly vessels.

The bilateral engagement reflects the broader economic cooperation between India and Norway, reinforced by the recent EFTA-India Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.

(KNN Bureau)