Norway: In a significant step towards strengthening maritime cooperation, India and Norway held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, led the Indian delegation and met with Norwegian counterparts—Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård and Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss—to explore new partnerships and initiatives aligned with green and sustainable maritime development.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
1. Green Maritime Technologies and Ferry Electrification
India is keen to leverage Norway’s advanced expertise in ferry system electrification to modernise its inland waterways. The two nations explored deeper collaboration in the areas of:
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Electric ferry production
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Hydrogen-powered vessels
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e-Methanol bunkering
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Green tug transition
These align with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to promote clean energy and digital transformation in port operations.
2. Blue Economy and Ocean Management
The meeting also emphasized enhancing India-Norway cooperation in the sustainable Blue Economy, including:
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Ocean renewable energy (wind and tidal)
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Smart logistics and digital port ecosystems
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Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries
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Seafarer training and polar navigation expertise
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Gender diversity through India’s Saagar Mein Samman initiative
3. Shipbuilding and Recycling
India and Norway agreed to integrate India’s robust shipbuilding capabilities with Norway’s ship design expertise to jointly produce eco-friendly vessels. Focus was also laid on sustainable ship recycling at India’s Alang Yard in Gujarat, with an emphasis on improving environmental and safety standards.
4. Northern Sea Route (NSR) Feasibility
India proposed a joint feasibility study with Norway to operationalise the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a strategic Arctic shipping lane. This includes:
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R&D on Arctic navigation
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Ice-class vessel design
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Navigational technology advancement
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Sustainable practices in harsh weather zones
Ministerial Statements
“Under PM Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Maritime Amrit Kaal, our ports are emerging as clean energy hubs and economic growth engines. Partnering with Norway on green shipping is a natural fit.”
— Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways
“India and Norway’s maritime ties are built on trust, innovation, and shared commitment to sustainability. This collaboration paves the way for joint ventures in high-impact sectors like renewable energy and maritime digitalization.”
— Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Norway
Conclusion of India-Norway Bilateral Talks
The talks reaffirm India and Norway’s shared vision for a sustainable, digitally advanced, and inclusive maritime future. By aligning efforts in green technology, shipbuilding, and Arctic cooperation, both nations are poised to lead the global transition towards a decarbonised maritime economy.
For more details check press release on PIB website.
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