Lloyd's Register Advisory Appointed to Spearhead India's Maritime Decarbonisation Drive

India's Directorate General of Shipping has selected Lloyd's Register Advisory to serve as its Technical Support Unit, marking a significant step forward in the country's efforts to modernize and decarbonize its maritime industry.

The appointment positions LR Advisory at the center of India's push to bring its regulatory frameworks in line with global environmental standards and international maritime conventions. The Technical Support Unit will deliver both strategic counsel and hands-on technical expertise as the nation charts its course toward a greener shipping future.

At the heart of this collaboration lies a comprehensive review of India's current governance mechanisms. The TSU will conduct detailed assessments to pinpoint regulatory gaps and propose concrete policy reforms that can accelerate the transformation of the maritime sector.

One of the flagship initiatives under this partnership is the creation of a Green Port Index. This benchmarking tool will evaluate and rank Indian ports based on their environmental performance, creating measurable standards for sustainability across the country's extensive port network.

Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping for the Government of India, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. "This appointment reflects India's ambition to work with partners who can bring a depth of technical expertise and international perspective to national maritime reforms," he stated. Jagannathan highlighted that Lloyd's Register's proven track record in policy development, decarbonization strategies, and digital modernization were decisive factors in their selection.

The scope of work extends well beyond environmental indexing. LR Advisory will play a central role in refining India's Integrated Shipping Policy, ensuring it addresses both current challenges and future opportunities in the maritime sector. The development of frameworks for onshore power supply represents another critical component, enabling ships to plug into shore-based electricity while docked, significantly reducing emissions in port areas.

Green shipbuilding and environmentally responsible ship recycling practices will also receive focused attention under this agreement. These initiatives aim to transform the entire lifecycle of vessels operating in Indian waters, from construction through to decommissioning.

Digital transformation forms another pillar of the partnership. LR Advisory will support the modernization of various regulatory processes, bringing efficiency and transparency to maritime governance through technology integration.

Ambrish Bansal, Global Head of Management Consulting and Environmental, Social, and Governance Advisory at LR Advisory, outlined the practical approach the organization will take. "India is rapidly expanding its port infrastructure and maritime connectivity," Bansal noted. "Our role is to turn policy ambition into practical, scalable regulation. By leveraging global expertise and benchmarking, we support implementation at pace — accelerating India's transition to lower-emission shipping while reinforcing long-term resilience and investor confidence."

The initial engagement has been structured as a one-year contract, providing a foundation for both parties to demonstrate results and build momentum. However, the framework includes provisions for extension, potentially stretching the partnership to a full five years depending on progress and outcomes.

This appointment comes at a crucial time for India's maritime sector, which plays a vital role in the country's economic development and international trade. With global shipping under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, India's proactive stance positions it as a leader among developing maritime nations in embracing sustainable practices.