Indian logistics moving towards a sustainable future

Equity investments for sustainable transport projects, and regulatory easing towards environment-friendly projects are the way ahead for sustainable practices.

- Jyothi Shankaran

India’s largest private sector company Reliance signs an agreement with DP World to shift product transport from road to rail; world's second largest ocean carrier Maersk highlights its efforts for sustainable transport by naming a dual-fuel methanol vessel - Albert Maersk - in Mumbai; and GreenLine Mobility Solutions raises $275 million equity investment for expansion and LNG refuelling stations.

These are some key highlights in India's tectonic shift in transport logistics where sustainability has become the prime focus area, notwithstanding challenges like infrastructure, funding, demand and regulations.

“It is a privilege for India to host the naming of this advanced dual-fuel vessel, a historic first for a foreign shipping company in our country. With the demand for green vessels rising, India has the potential to become a major producer and supplier of green methanol, ammonia and hydrogen-based fuels,” Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said while speaking at the Maersk naming ceremony in Mumbai on February 28, 2025.

Bio- and e-methanol can reduce greenhouse (GHG) emissions by at least 65 percent compared to conventional fossil fuels such as bunker oil (depending on the feedstock and production process of the methanol, calculated on a life cycle basis). “At GreenLine, we firmly believe the future of logistics lies in clean, sustainable transport solutions,” says Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine Mobility Solutions. “Our investment of $275 million reflects both our conviction and the rapidly growing market opportunity in this space.

Our mission is to decarbonise India’s transportation sector, which contributes nearly 15 percent of the country’s total carbon emissions. With over four million trucks currently in operation — and the number continuing to grow — India’s road logistics sector remains one of its most carbon-intensive industries.”