4 June 2025

During the 2025 Nor-Shipping event held in Norway, India and Norway held significant bilateral discussions centered around maritime cooperation. The Indian delegation was led by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. These talks marked a new direction in the two countries’ partnership, focusing on green maritime technologies, sustainable development, and the Blue Economy.

Focus on Green Maritime Technologies

Both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in areas such as:

• Green shipbuilding
• Electric ferries
• Smart logistics
• Clean coastal transportation

This move is seen as a major step toward making maritime transport carbon-neutral in light of the ongoing climate change challenges.

Joint Feasibility Study on the Northern Sea Route (NSR)

India proposed a joint feasibility study with Norway on operating the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which connects Europe and Asia via the Arctic Ocean.
Benefits of this route include:

• Reduced fuel consumption
• Shorter travel time
• New global trade opportunities

Arctic Navigation and Icy Waters Collaboration

The dialogue also focused on:

• Arctic navigation
• Shipbuilding suited for icy waters
• Deployment of green ships in the Arctic region

Both India and Norway are members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and can collaborate on maritime safety and innovation.

Ship Recycling and Alang’s Global Role

Norway recognized the Alang Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat, India, as a potential global hub for ship recycling.
The countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in:

• Sustainable fisheries
• Ocean-based renewable energy (e.g., wind and tidal energy)
• Sustainable use of marine resources

'Sagar mein Samman' and Gender Equality in Maritime Sector

India highlighted its ‘Sagar mein Samman’ initiative aimed at promoting gender equality in the maritime domain.
The initiative includes:

• Special training programs for women
• Job opportunities and leadership development
  India invited Norway to participate in joint projects under this initiative.

Marine Renewable Energy: Ocean Wind and Tidal Power

India extended an invitation to Norway to engage in joint research and development projects in:

• Ocean wind energy
• Tidal energy

Norway’s technological expertise and India’s resource potential could position the partnership as a global leader in marine renewables.

Shared Goal: Strengthening the Blue Economy

Minister Sonowal described the partnership as a historic opportunity to strengthen the global Blue Economy.
He emphasized that this collaboration would benefit both countries and contribute to:

• Sustainable maritime development
• Inclusive global growth

Conclusion

This dialogue between India and Norway marks the beginning of a strategic maritime partnership.
With Norway’s advanced maritime technology and India’s extensive coastline and human capital, this cooperation holds great promise in:

• Advancing green maritime technologies
• Promoting renewable ocean energy
• Enhancing gender inclusivity
• Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This engagement is poised to become a milestone in sustainable maritime cooperation and the global transition toward a cleaner, more equitable marine economy.