DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. A leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry, we enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry. DNV invests heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges.
We take our responsibility to minimise our environmental impact very seriously and environmental protection is embodied in our purpose to protect life, property and the environment.
For every type of new building project, we set the standards at the forefront of technology and safety when it comes to design, materials and classification – at the side of both shipyards and shipowners.
In 2023, we hosted a delegation from four major Indian shipyards at DNV’s annual MPV & General Cargo Ship Forum in Hamburg, Germany. The yard representatives showcased their ongoing green projects and capabilities to meet the rising demand for such new builds in the industry. Many prominent ship owners, brokers, and managers from Germany and across Europe, including equipment manufacturers, took part in the engaging session. The forum was an excellent opportunity and example of how DNV leverages our established global networks and facilitate connections between European shipowners and Indian shipyards to support the growth of green new buildings.
Norway and India share a long maritime history. In the bilateral dialogue between the two nations, what are key agenda points and in which areas DNV is working closely to bring India’s green vision to reality?
Norway’s expertise in the maritime and renewable energy sector aligns well with India’s ambitions, offering opportunities for collaboration in the areas of sustainability and decarbonization. Both countries are prioritizing low-carbon and zero-emission fuels, with ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen emerging as viable alternatives. Norway’s expertise in clean marine technologies complements India’s ambitions to transform its maritime sector.
DNV has provided maritime services to the Indian shipping industry for over 50 years. From Mumbai to Chennai, our experts are easily accessible from our strategic presence in key maritime hubs across India.
As India seeks to establish itself as a hub for green shipbuilding, DNV is actively supporting by utilizing its classification expertise to set standards for green ship design and operations, while collaborating closely with local shipyards on relevant projects.
Backed by DNV’s vast global network of experts and resources, we offer tailored decarbonization strategies, innovative feasibility studies, and complex projects focused on alternative fuels, all aimed at fostering sustainable growth within the sector.
Beyond classification services, our team engages with local stakeholders and regulatory bodies to drive forward maritime decarbonization and digitalization in the industry. DNV has expanded its maritime advisory unit in India to provide local clients with enhanced access to its global pool of maritime consulting expertise. This encompasses support services on decarbonization, digitalization, advisory on safety, risk management and compliance, as well as ESG (environmental, social and governance).
In 2023, DNV published a white paper titled ‘Indian Coastal Green Shipping Programme, which studied India’s potential to deliver a sustainable future for its maritime industry. Commissioned by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Mumbai, the paper provided insights into the opportunities and recommendations on how coastal shipping can reduce India’s carbon emission and facilitate its transition to green shipping, building on the successful experience of Norway’s Green Shipping Programme.
India has an ambitious plan to emerge as a hub for green shipbuilding. What potential do you see and how prepared is the country to take this journey?
With its vast coastline, skilled workforce and expanding maritime infrastructure, India has great potential to emerge as a hub for green shipbuilding. The government has an ambitious vision to be among the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030, and top five by 2047.
To realize this vision, policy frameworks that promote investment in sustainable technologies and local shipyard modernization are already in place, with strategic partnerships being formed with other leading maritime nations.
The Indian government is actively encouraging investments and technology transfer from Japanese and Korean shipyards to establish shipbuilding and ship repair clusters in the country. This comes at a time when most traditional shipbuilding yards in Asia are at operating at capacity while demand for green-maritime assets is surging ahead of the phase-based elimination of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). India can play a crucial role by supplying next-generation vessels and become a competitive player in the green maritime sector, contributing to the IMO’s decarbonization goals for 2050.
Can you share the significance of your recent MOU with the Mumbai Port Sustainability Fund (MPSF) to cooperate on advancing decarbonization, digitalization, emissions management, and safety? How does it work?
Under the MoU with MPSF, DNV will provide expert guidance and insights into industry needs, regulatory requirements, technological advancements, as well as safety and quality protocols in the maritime and energy sectors. DNV experts will also work closely with MPSF to explore the commercial potential of low carbon fuel bunkering, storage and transfer, among others.
This partnership is a significant step forward in developing and modernizing port infrastructure to support the transition to cleaner energy sources, as it will facilitate in-depth analysis of issues and innovative solutions for the overall sustainability and greening opportunities of Mumbai port operations.
Shipowners face a number of challenges when decarbonizing the shipping industry which include and not limited to lack of clarity on alternate fuels, uncertainty about regulations and high costs associated with decarbonizing. How can these challenges be addressed?
According to DNV’s latest Maritime Forecast to 2050 report, the maritime industry will need between 7 and 48 Mtoe of carbon-neutral fuels, in combination with energy efficiency measures and onboard carbon capture, to reach its decarbonization goals by 2030.
The probability adjusted global cross-sector production volume of carbon-neutral fuel is expected to be between 44 and 63 Mtoe by 2030. Shipping will need between 10% and 100% of this to reach IMO targets. Shipowners therefore need to identify, evaluate, and use technologies, fuels, and solutions that help minimize energy consumption, decarbonize ships, and meet other environmental requirements.
Given the expected competition and shortage of carbon-neutral fuels in the near future, shipping should mitigate this by improving the energy efficiency of ships as far as possible. Early adoption of innovative technologies can help shipping companies adapt faster to regulatory changes. We’re seeing industry first-movers piloting fuel trials for such as ammonia, methanol fuel and exploring the use of CCS and wind-assisted propulsion onboard.
The collective support of all stakeholders in the value chain and regulators is essential to support the scaling up of use of carbon-neutral fuels, ensuring the appropriate infrastructure and investment incentives in place. It is imperative for shipping to work with fuel developers to secure carbon-neutral fuel supply, and with key ports to develop the infrastructure that it needs. In addition, close collaboration and increased pressure from financiers and banking institutions could accelerate the switch to greener fuels and technology among shipowners, accelerating decarbonization efforts for the industry.
As the industry decarbonizes and embraces new fuels and technologies, it is essential that we not lose sight of the skill gap that will emerge. Training and upskilling of the current maritime workforce will be vital to push forward our net-zero agenda in this energy transition.
