[Answered] Examine the potential for Norway and India to become green maritime partners. Justify their shared responsibility in tackling common oceanic challenges and promoting global good.

Introduction

With 90% of global trade moving through oceans (IMO) and maritime emissions contributing 3% to global GHGs, collaboration between emerging maritime India and green-technology leader Norway is critical for sustainable ocean governance.

Why Norway–India Partnership Has Strong Potential

1. Complementary Strengths
   • Norway: leader in green maritime technology, hydrogen- and ammonia-powered vessels, and autonomous electric ships (e.g., Yara Birkeland, world’s first zero-emission autonomous container ship).
   • India: fast-growing shipbuilding hub, skilled workforce, strategic location along major sea lanes.
2. Institutional Mechanisms Already in Place: India–Norway Ocean Dialogue (2019) and Task Force on Blue Economy focus on: marine pollution reduction, sustainable ocean management and green shipping innovation. TEPA (India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, 2025) boosts technology transfer, investment flows, and seafarer exchange.
3. Green Shipping Corridors: Both countries support IMO Net-Zero Framework, aiming at net-zero emissions from shipping by 2050. Potential India–Norway green corridor between Cochin Shipyard ↔ Norwegian ports to facilitate low/zero-emission fleet movement.
4. Shipbuilding and Recycling Synergies: About 10% of new ships ordered by Norwegian Shipowners’ Association are built in India. Cochin Shipyard recently received 14-vessel orders from Norway’s Wilson ASA, proving India’s reliability. India is advancing as a global leader in safe, environmentally compliant ship recycling, aligning with the Hong Kong Convention.
5. Human Capital Cooperation: Indian seafarers constitute the 2nd largest workforce on Norwegian-controlled vessels. TEPA facilitates training and mobility of seafarers, enhancing maritime capacity-building.

Shared Responsibility Toward Global Good

1. Tackling Marine Pollution: Both nations support initiatives on combating microplastics and oil spill management. Contributing to global action aligns with SDG-14: Life Below Water.
2. Climate and Biodiversity Commitments: Norway aims to cut maritime emissions by 50% by 2030 (compared to 2005). India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal 2047 promote clean ports, LNG/ammonia-based fuels, and digital port management.
3. Democratising Ocean Governance: As “major ocean nations,” they advocate rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic, reinforcing UNCLOS principles of freedom of navigation.
4. Women and Inclusivity in Maritime Sector: Norway supports gender inclusion initiatives like Maritime SheEO Conference, with increasing participation of Indian women seafarers.

Way Forward

Conclusion

As Buckminster Fuller said, “We are all astronauts on the same spaceship Earth.” Norway–India green maritime cooperation is not partnership—it is stewardship toward oceans, climate responsibility, and global good.