Commerce Secretary lays groundwork for setting up a Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports
Multiple areas of maritime cooperation discussed
The visit of Commerce Secretary Mr Sunil Barthwal to the Netherlands this week to strengthen bilateral trade and economic partnership has laid the groundwork for setting up of a Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports like Deendayal Port Authority, and export of Green Hydrogen and carriers like Ammonia and Methanol from India to Europe, with the Port of Rotterdam acting as a gateway to the continent.
Mr Barthwal visited the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest and one of the world’s most advanced ports, where he engaged with the port management, and explored Green and Digital Corridor cooperation to boost maritime and trade ties.
Received by Mr Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, at the World Port Center, Mr Barthwal held in-depth discussions on enhancing cooperation between Indian ports and Rotterdam. The talks explored opportunities for knowledge sharing, technology transfer and sustainable port management practices. A tour of the port facilities, including the fully automated APM Terminals at Maasvlakte II, provided insights into Rotterdam’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and operational efficiencies.
Mr Barthwal highlighted the potential for collaboration in modernising Indian ports, aligning with India’s Maritime Vision 2030, which aims to enhance port capacity and logistics efficiency. Both sides expressed interest in deepening ties through joint initiatives in port digitalisation, green shipping and logistics optimisation, which are critical to boosting bilateral trade flows.