India will implement wide-ranging new rules to bring its maritime industry in line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious net-zero emission goals, a cornerstone measure in its green transition and maritime development strategy.
The regulations, to be notified in the near term by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, seek to bring India’s shipping industry and ports into line with the IMO’s Net Zero Framework by 2050 on net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
These steps, designed to transform ship design, port facilities, and operating practices, reflect India’s dedication to environmentally friendly global commerce amid higher compliance expenditures and innovation.
The IMO’s Revised GHG Strategy 2023, agreed upon at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) in April 2025, sets a progressive decline in lifecycle carbon intensity for ships of over 5,000 gross tonnage (GT) on international voyages, taking effect from March 2027 and entering into operation by 2028.
The strategy involves a Global Fuel Standard (GFS) with a 43% decline in GHG fuel intensity (GFI) by 2035 relative to 2008 levels as well as a market-based GHG pricing mechanism.
India’s new regulations, set by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), will implement these principles, bringing in phased reduction of CO2 emissions, green port refit, and obligatory compliance audits by classification societies.
The regulations will revolutionize India’s maritime landscape. Shipowners will have new design specifications, with Indian shipyards invited to construct dual-fuel or green-fuel ships utilizing substitutes such as methanol, ammonia, green hydrogen, or electricity.
“These regulations will transform ship building and operations, supporting green fuel and making India a leader in green shipping,” a senior official of the DGS said. Ports will have obligatory green fuel refueling stations and staff training programs, aligning with the 2023 Green Ports Guidelines, which aim for an improvement in carbon intensity per cargo ton by 30% by 2030.
The economic implications are great. The DGS approximates compliance expenses at $87–100 million annually by 2030, which could add 14% to fuel and 5% to freight prices. Exporters using non-compliant foreign vessels could pay extra freight, leading to demands for GHG-compliant vessel priority in charter. Still, there are strategic opportunities waiting to be seized. India’s effort to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 may generate 28 million tonnes of ammonia and 26.3 million tonnes of methanol, generating compliance credits under the IMO’s GFI regime.
Indian shipyards are already looking into retrofitting and green designs, driving innovation and international competitiveness.
The DGS has published a guidance note on the IMO’s Net Zero Framework as an interim tool until formal regulations are notified. “This note helps stakeholders understand and prepare for the 2027 regulations,” said Pushpank Kaushik, CEO of Jassper Shipping. He emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, including transparent regulatory roadmaps, green finance, tax breaks, and retrofitting incentives.
Discussions continue on distributing IMO-collected penalties to support countries like India in accessing green technology and fuels.
India’s 14% IMO-compliant fleet is an indication of the need to ramp up. The regulations will require monitoring of fuel intensity, employee training, and green infrastructure planning.
Ports such as Mumbai and Chennai are focusing on onshore power supply and waste management in order to achieve MARPOL standards, a development that follows the Green Ports Guidelines’ emphasis on minimizing emissions through the Eliminate, Reduce, and Control (ERC) strategy.
Sentiment on X is optimistic with a touch of cost worries.
“India’s new maritime rules to meet IMO’s zero-emission goals are a game-changer for green ports and shipping!” tweeted @livemint, with @bsindia highlighting the regulations as helping India in its green transition. Some users, however, complained of increasing freight rates hurting exporters.
Challenges are heavy compliance costs for MSMEs and the necessity of strong enforcement. Experts recommend subsidies under the Technology Upgradation Scheme, increased training through Skill India, and public-private partnerships to boost R&D.
The IMO’s Net Zero Fund, backed by 63 nations including India, might bring financial relief, although resistance from countries like Saudi Arabia and the U.S. withdrawal from negotiations reflect worldwide divisions.
India’s aggressive approach, supported by its 7.4% GDP growth and global trade offensive, puts it in a position to dominate green maritime practices.
In following the IMO’s 2050 vision, these regulations will not only cut back emissions but also propel India to become an even bigger influence on refashioning global supply chains, creating a greener, more resilient maritime future.