Sustainable shipping in India is becoming more closely linked to economic competitiveness: Johnson Controls’ Arun Awasthy

The maritime sector is a major source of carbon emissions globally. As a part of its efforts to limit emissions, the Indian government is implementing various measures to promote environmental sustainability and the advancement of its maritime sector. However, the real benefit of sustainable shipping will be realised when Indian ports and fleets are seen globally as not just larger but smarter and lower-risk partners, said Arun Awasthy, President & Managing Director, Johnson Controls India. He emphasised this point while acknowledging India’s maritime initiatives, which range from green hydrogen hubs to shore-power mandates.

In the Union Budget 2025, the Indian government has proposed to set up a Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of Rs 25,000 crore. Through this fund, the government aims to encourage green investments and sustainability in the shipping and maritime infrastructure. In addition, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has prioritised the decarbonisation of the shipping sector through initiatives like the Green Tug Transition Program and Harit Nauka (Green Vessel).

Johnson Controls India, the local arm of Ireland-based sustainable infrastructure firm Johnson Controls, has been working with the Indian shipping industry to promote long-term sustainability and energy efficiency. “Johnson Controls’ focus is on enabling that outcome through technologies that support efficiency, safety, and compliance without compromising the operational realities the sector faces,” Awasthy said.

The country’s increasing focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and digitalisation positioned India as a strategic growth market for Johnson Controls, considering the scale of infrastructure expansion. “We are investing in expanding our local capabilities, both in engineering expertise and service support, to deliver faster, more agile responses to customer needs. At the same time, we are introducing more advanced technologies in building automation, HVAC efficiency, fire and life safety, and security solutions that align with global best practices and India’s regulatory and sustainability priorities. We are also closely collaborating with government and private stakeholders to support large-scale initiatives aimed at modernising critical infrastructure with a future-ready approach,” he said.

Awasthy emphasised that sustainable shipping in India is increasingly tied to economic competitiveness, not just environmental goals. With global trade corridors shifting and carbon border taxes like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism coming into play, ports that can demonstrate lower emissions will have a strategic advantage.

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He pointed out that the government’s initiatives, such as the Sagarmala Programme and the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence in Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS), underscore its commitment to port-led development and environmental stewardship. However, the path to sustainable shipping requires a nuanced approach that balances environmental goals with economic and operational realities.“While India’s maritime industry is growing, a significant portion of its fleet consists of older vessels, often ill-equipped to meet emerging environmental standards. Retrofitting these vessels for sustainability, through technologies like alternative fuel engines or energy-efficient systems, requires considerable financial investment, which can be difficult to justify given the long payback periods often associated with such transitions. Moreover, the requisite infrastructure, such as bunkering facilities for low-carbon fuels, is not yet widespread, further hindering the industry’s shift toward greener practices,” he said.He added that regulatory alignment with global sustainability standards, particularly the decarbonisation goals set by the International Maritime Organisation, presents another challenge.

“The gap between policy and practice remains, particularly in incentivising private sector participation and accelerating the development of green shipping infrastructure. Navigating this regulatory complexity is essential for creating an ecosystem that fosters long-term sustainability and innovation,” he said.

At the same time, India’s maritime sector operates within a volatile global trade environment, where geopolitical dynamics influence shipping routes, fuel availability, and operational costs, he said. These factors complicate efforts to transition to a sustainable shipping model, especially when the global supply chain is disrupted, as seen with recent geopolitical tensions.

“In this context, India must strike a delicate balance between domestic economic growth, environmental responsibility, and global competitiveness,” he said.

Johnson Controls has contributed to the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Johnson Controls India, in collaboration with our UK-based navy systems team, was responsible for designing and installing the complete HVAC system onboard, Awasthy said. “The scale and complexity of the project were immense, equivalent to outfitting seven frigates simultaneously, involving over 320 tonnes of ducting across nine fire zones. Our system ensures optimal temperatures for over 1,700 crew members and for critical electronics, aircraft systems, and pilot gear. We also integrated smoke extraction, ventilation, and zonal control panels with the ship’s Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) to enable real-time control and fault response, vital for operational resilience during wartime,” he said.

Awasthy mentioned that beyond INS Vikrant, the company has supported other key Indian naval assets, including the Teg-class frigates, ASW corvettes, and Project 17 and 28 vessels, etc.

Globally, Johnson Controls has supported marine engineering projects, such as COSCO’s $1.6 billion FPSO vessel for the North Sea.

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